Red State. Blue State. Through EcoDriving we can all be green states.
Hit the link and you will be greated by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger (and Governor Bill Ritter) introducing the power of Eco-Driving for making a real difference when it comes to the nation’s gasoline use and, therefore, carbon footprint.
The average driving could seen a 15 percent reduction in fuel use through a few simple steps.
The reality: America could make a significant dent in its oil use through very basic steps with its light passenger fleet (read, your car or SUV). The tips and techniques have both to do with car maintenance and with driving habits.
While straightforward to many of us, sadly much of this is news to most of America. What are some of Eco-Driving USA’s recommendations as for driving habits?
- “Forget warming up the car …” Don’t know about you, but the number of neighbors who insist on warming up the car for tens of minutes is astounding (and, honestly, distressing). Simply put: anthing more than 30 seconds, even on the coldest days, doesn’t serve any purpose other than to boost Exxon-Mobil’s profits and put CO2 into the atmosphere.
- Avoid quick, jack-rabbit starts. “EPA estimates that gentle starts and stops could save as much as one dollar per gallon.”
- Drive a steady 60 miles on the highway (or the double nickel). Every five miles per hour faster than that, you
- Use Air Conditioning: Driving any speed above 40 miles per gallon, the air conditioning is the
- Secure the gas cap firmly. “The average car can lose up to 30 gallons per year through a poorly closed
- Under-inflated tires cost Americans 1.2 billion gallons of fuel in 2005. Check the tires, at least, every month.
- Keep unnecessary weight out of car. An extra 100 pounds in the car costs roughly two percent in extra gasoline use. “Easiest thing to do is lose the excess cargo.”
And, more …
This is a well-done site with practical information sadly not well enough known by most Americans. There are pretty good videos. An Eco-Calculator for understanding the potential carbon impact from eco-driving. And, a virtual road test for the game players among us.
Eco-Driving USA is intended to be a nation-wide effort, within the states and local communities in addition to individual action. Launched 18 August, the initial sponsors: Governor Schwarzenegger (R-CA) and Governor Ritter (D-CO). The money behind it comes from the Auto Alliance (ten auto manufacturers). A question to ask: Will EcoDriving USA videos be shown and provided to all their new and used car buyers to help provide eco-driving tips and knowledge to America’s drivers?
Now, for those who graduate from remedial Eco-Driving, you can ‘graduate to better mileage’ with Professor von Hypermiler.