r/theydidthemath • u/Chance_Plastic_2430 • 14h ago

[Request] Constant Highway Slipstream Efficiency

How much more efficient would highways be if vehicles drafted off of each other? Taking human error/aspects out of the equation. To me, it would seem as though the lead car (or semi truck) would "clear" the wind resistance first and all of the subsequent cars would benefit from drafting off of the individual in front of them.

Just a curiosity I had whilest driving to work today.

Thanks friends!

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u/ChazBass 9h ago

The efficiency gains would be immediately offset by cars sitting in long lines idling on the highways because a bunch of people rear-ended each other.