Tip #1: Park at the highest point in the parking lot so you can get a rolling start before starting your engine.

First of all, I don't come across many parking lots built on steep hills. But even if I did find one on a slope, how much money would this tip save, a nickel?

Tip #2: Overinflate your car's tires to reduce tire/road friction.

I realize fuel costs are high, but what about the cost of blowing up a perfectly good tire? Not to mention the danger of a vehicle blowing a tire on the highway.

Tip #3: Wear an ice vest during hot days and drive with the windows up and air conditioner off.

My feeling is this: if you can afford the extra $5,000 or so for a hybrid model, you should be able to pay the extra quarter or two it will cost to run the air conditioner. On top of that--an ice vest in broad daylight? At some point the embarrassment factor has to kick in. Where would someone buy an ice vest anyway?

The worst of these hypermiling tips can be life-threatening. Some folks turn off their engine as they exit the freeway off-ramp, coasting up to three miles before their vehicle's momentum runs out. Other maniacs take 50mph "death turns" around corners just to avoid braking. While I'm sure those maneuvers save a ton of fuel, someone stupid enough to risk the lives of everyone on the road just to save a few dollars shouldn't be allowed behind the wheel.

Saving money is important, but not when it puts lives at risk. A gallon of gas isn't worth your life--or anyone else's.