(Photo: San Marcos high school student Dina Davis flashes a “five” as part of the campaign’s tactic. Ana Tintocalis/KPBS )
North County high school students have adopted an unconventional tactic to urge motorists to drive slow and save gas. KPBS Reporter Ana Tintocalis has more.
The students come from Carlsbad and San Marcos high schools. They've pledged to drive five miles below the legal speed limit on streets and highways while holding their left hand - with all five fingers spread - outside their car window.
That signal means drivers should slow down by at least five miles per hour or drive 55 miles per hour.
Fifteen-year-old Josh Vail says studies show even gas efficient cars get 13 miles per gallon better gas mileage at 55 miles per hour compared to 75.
Vail: They think it doesn't do much just because they don't understand a lot of it. You know, if you do a little research, you'll see that it does a lot of good to the environment, yourself, and everyone around you.
Vail says the teens make sure to keep their hands safe distance from moving traffic. He hopes the campaign catches on in other parts of the county.
Ana Tintocalis, KPBS News.
