Even with gas prices down, real estate pros can save money and reduce stress behind the wheel. Podiatrist-turned-traffic consultant David Rizzo offers tips galore.

How did you become known as Dr. Roadmap?

RIZZO: When I began practicing podiatry in 1976, I didn't have enough money to open an office, so I took my practice on the road. I've been making house calls ever since. The Los Angeles Herald-Examiner did a story in 1987 about the maps I drew, showing shortcuts to get around Los Angeles more quickly. That's where the name came from.

Tell us about your latest book, Survive the Drive! How to Beat Freeway Traffic in Southern California.

RIZZO: I wanted the roads to be safer. I drive around a lot, and I have to deal with the congestion and road rage. If everyone gets on board and starts driving better, not only will I have an easier time, but so will drivers in every city.

How does the way people drive affect the amount of gas they use?

RIZZO: You can lose almost 25 percent in fuel efficiency by the way you drive. First, don't accelerate quickly. Imagine you have an egg under the gas pedal. If you push down too hard, you're going to break that egg.

The second way to improve efficiency is by not stopping too quickly. Every time you hit the brakes, you've turned gasoline into nothing but brake dust, tire tread, and heat. You back off the gas the moment you see a red light in the distance. It's far more efficient to coast to a stop.

Also, lighten the load. Every 50 pounds you carry in your trunk decreases fuel efficiency by 1 percent.

What types of vehicle maintenance will most improve fuel efficiency?

RIZZO: Tires are the most important thing. You use 20 percent of your gas energy overcoming the rolling resistance of your tires. As long as you keep your tires full, you'll use less gas. And if you've hit a curb in a parking lot, have your alignment checked. 

Do you have a strategy for arranging appointments to make your drive more efficient?

RIZZO: You can chain them. Plan your route so that you go from one neighborhood to another in a nice, continuous circle. No zigzagging. Also, don't always rely on your GPS device because it won't give you the big picture. It's best to get a map.

When driving long distances, what are some ways to improve mileage?

RIZZO: When you get on the freeway, take your time. The peak efficiency for a car is about 45 mph. Every 10 miles per hour you go over 60 is like paying an extra 50 cents per gallon for gas. And I recommend cruise control only on flat surfaces.

Do you have any stress-relieving tips to use behind the wheel?

RIZZO: Let's say a deal didn't go through and you're stressed out; don't immediately jump in the car. Take a five-minute break, collect your thoughts, and eat something—we are human, after all. When you've been on the road for awhile, tighten your calf muscles. The calf muscles store a lot of blood that would be better served getting up to our brain.

Are you still working as a podiatrist or has the mania over gas prices taken up your time?

RIZZO: Right now it's 40–40–20. I spend about 40 percent in podiatry and 40 percent as Dr. Roadmap. The other 20 percent of my time I'm writing—newspaper and technical writing.

What do you see changing in the future in terms of the relationship people have with their cars?

RIZZO: Most real estate practitioners need their cars for business, but you don't necessarily need a big car. I think clients are going to be more understanding about riding around in a Prius. People are getting more sympathetic to the new sensibility of conserving finite resources. It's not just good for our pocket, but it's also good for the environment when we use less gas and drive a smaller car.

For more on David Rizzo, visit www.drroadmap.com.