Jevons paradox

Roadshow: Prius owners drive too slow — or is it too fast?

By Gary Richards

Mercury News
Posted: 03/16/2009 12:00:00 AM PDT

Q I do not hate those who drive a Prius, but can they at least stay up with the flow of traffic? It seems they have taken over the crown of highway road hog in regards to their complete disrespect for those who choose to go the speed limit (or sometimes a little faster). They have managed to dethrone the SUV hogs rather quickly and feel that they do in fact own the road. I actually think they have regulators that won't allow them to go any faster than 60 mph and they won't ever move out of the way. Since they have the carpool lane OK stickers, maybe they should only be allowed to travel during those times posted. Ha, ha, ha.

Mike Raia

San Jose

A So we drive too slow?

Q I've been reading your column for years, felt compelled many times to write and now I am finally doing it because I have a beef with these so-called "good" people who drive hybrids. In my honest opinion, many Prius and other hybrid drivers think they are above everyone else and can do whatever they want because they are "green" and therefore better citizens. I say bull. Prius as well as other hybrid drivers are the ones speeding by me in the fast lane, when I'm already doing 72. They are the ones who insist I move out of the lane. They are the ones who cross over all lanes of traffic to take an exit immediately. What is the point, then? Are they really saving gas at that point? Are they really "good" people then? We shouldn't be hailing all hybrid drivers as saints. Forgive me as I am cranky. I drive a Honda Civic, I drive with the speed of traffic, I am courteous to those who want to get around me, but aggressive when I have to be. I ride my bike when I don't need to drive. I take the train to work if I can. What about us?

Meredith Schwarting

A So we drive too fast?

Q I'm here to tell you that I wholeheartedly support those who say that Prius owners drive too slowly and block traffic. In the early '90s, it was BMW drivers who thought they owned the road; in the late '90s, this dubious honor belonged to drivers of minivans and giant SUVs. Now Prius drivers have taken over. Fuel-efficient cars are an important step in saving the planet, but driving a Prius does not entitle one to become a road hazard. Prius drivers merge slowly and then beeline for the diamond lane, where they drive 10 mph slower than everybody else and they can't seem to maintain one speed. My car can drive circles around a Prius without breaking a sweat. But when somebody is on my tail, that means I'm going too slow, so I pull to the right and let them pass. I can't tell you how many times I've had to pass a Prius on the right. Sincere apologies to all the good Prius citizens who try to share the road, but I have never seen more arrogant behavior from a group of drivers than the ones who drive a Prius.

Paul Pelton

San Jose

A So we drive too slow?

Q What is it about Prius owners who zip along at 85 mph in the fast lane? They buy a car that gets great mileage and then they drive like crazy.

Mary Harden

San Jose

A I'm getting dizzy. We drive too slow, or too fast. No, too slow. No, too fast. Any other critics out there? Oh, yeah.

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