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So every morning there is this exit (diamond interchange, 2 lanes each way, 45-55mph) that gets backed up, then follows all the traffic wave patterns discussed in other thread and excellent other websites. I've previously tried to dwb and keep an average speed, but usually have to slow to about 10mph anyway and often to a stop. My whole 10 mile trip usually nets me 26mpg. Not much to brag about.

However, this morning there was a patrol car on the shoulder between the off- and on-ramp. No congestion! I never slowed under 35mph or so, no cars had to stop and go, and no one was pulled over or anything. The officer was just sitting there (windows down, no radar gun, but i assume the engine was running, oh well). It was magical. I can't imagine the cumulative increase in fuel economy

And to top it off, this morning's trip? 33 MPG! (old EPA of my car is 21/30 or thereabouts).

Anyone experience something like this?

UPDATE 8/14: Driving home everyone spazzed because of the rain. Crawling the whole way. still 26MPG. This morning, same time, no officer, still no congestion.

Hi Zef95:

___Isn’t it wonderful when a plan comes together and especially when it was unplanned ;) Great FE by the way!!!

___Good Luck

___Wayne

That is what people don't realize, they are trying beat the traffic as almost everyone else is. So with everyone trying to beat everyone, we get nowhere except to peak oil and a rapid decline in supply. Gr8 job on the increase!

Unfortunately, around here, a police car even on the side of the interstate results in traffic goes much slower with all kinds of random braking, stopping, followed by heavy foot acceleration... followed, by more random braking, etc.

Although I do note that my best commutes have involved moderate congestion - just bad enough to pull off some crazy long glides where I would normally have to maintain speed. ;)