How to Increase Fuel Ecconmy by 1000% Only Changing Your Driving Habits

A while back I read an article on how a Ford Fusion Hybrid pedaled its way to 1,445 miles on a single tank. There is a lot people can do by simply changing the way they drive. I don't really know how to figure the exact savings or the reduction in environmental impact. However I can make up a figure that is surely to get some attention like.... 1000%! If I had to give a realistic estimate I would say that it is more like 1% or 2%. Those numbers might seem small but if every one did it...it adds up to a crap load of savings. There are other benefits to changing your driving habits. I took the list of suggestions from that article and noted the additional advantages to the fuel savings.

• Slowing down and maintaining even throttle pressure- You have to remember that the faster you go, the more air resistance there is and more energy is required to maintain that speed. Slower speeds would also mean safer driving and fewer fatalities on the road. At slower speed you have more time to react. Even throttle pressure would mean that the jerk that always speeds up just are you are about to pass would now be more concerned about saving gas with even throttle pressure than not pissing you off.
  
• Gradually accelerating and smoothly braking- Have you ever rode with a driver that slams on the accelerator and only lets off to slam down on the brake only for a moment then quick back on the gas? Not only is it annoying, it reaps havoc your neck and fuel consumption.
  
• Maintaining a safe distance between vehicles and anticipating traffic conditions- Just think how pleasant the roads would be if everyone did this one. Fewer wrecks and less middle finger usage. On the down side, it might be more difficult to read stupid vanity plates and lame bumper stickers.
  
• Coasting up to red lights and stop signs to avoid fuel waste and brake wear- Your brakes will last longer and so will your tires. People are in such a hurry these days they race to lights just to wait and then romp on the gas to beat the guy next to them off the line to cut in front. Driving would be a much more pleasant experience if we could all change the way we drive.
  
• Minimize use of heater and air conditioning to reduce the load on the engine- Ok this one kind of sucks. I don't know if I am willing to save a little gas for not sweating by butt off.
  
• Close windows at high speeds to reduce aerodynamic drag- Around town roll down the windows and turn off the AC and on the freeway roll 'em up and turn on the AC as needed.
  
• Applying the "Pulse and Glide" technique while maintaining the flow of traffic- Your "pulses" should be nice and smooth. Slowly on and slowly off, maintaining even throttle pressure.
  
• Minimize excessive engine workload by using the vehicle's kinetic forward motion to climb hills, and use downhill momentum to build speed- Using gravity to gain speed and forward motion to help you up hills you can save on gas.
  
• Avoiding bumps and potholes that can reduce momentum- This will also reduce wear on the suspension and your ear drums. The passengers will no long have anything to yell at you for.

In the comments let me know what you think. Are willing to change the way you drive for a little fuel savings and a safer ride?