Sixty Eight MPH

Sixty eight miles per hour.

That’s my preferred speed for the cruise control driving on flat, open interstates. At that speed my truck with it’s relatively low factory gearing and the large tires can move along in sixth gear at somewhere between 1,550 to 1,600 RPM. Basically a fast idle, moving along quite efficiently on the interstate for all it’s size and weight.

Sixty eight miles per hour keeps me going close to the speed of traffic, while ensuring I remain safely below the 73 or 74 MPH where you risk getting a speeding ticket in New York. Sometimes cruise control does speed up on the hills and you often lose speed climbing – sometimes dropping down to 63 or 64. But for the most part, you slightly above the posted speed limit of 65 MPH and remaining close to the speed of traffic.

Sometimes in hilly country I set the cruise control to 67 MPH to make sure I’m safe, but not always. I just feel this is a good speed to drive at that gets you to your destination in due time, without feeling rushed or passing other cars unnecessarily. I like to cruise along at steady speed, without going fast, enjoying the scenery, feeling relaxed and not stressed about taking a few extra seconds on my trip.

Maybe I’m a slow driver, but so be it. I would rather get to my destination safely, then risk getting in a crash or a ticket. Sometimes the slow poke does get the worm.