Three very strong reasons why we should all be eco-drivers are:

• Save Money
• Save Energy
• Save Environment

Eco-driving dramatically reduces fuel consumption through safer driving.  Too many motorists are ignoring emission pollution and climate change by breaking speed limits and revving their car engines.  Drivers how regularly exceed 70mph speed limits on the motorway are increasing carbon emissions by 890,000tonnes per year. Higher speeds lead to heavier breaking which again wastes fuel.  More cautious driving is better for the environment, your car, and yourself.

How To Become an Eco-Driver 

Eco-driving tests are available for drivers to sit.  The test begins with an instructor watching your normal driving habits, followed with feedback to improve your fuel efficiency.  Eco-students then practice eco-driving techniques and develop these into their normal driving habits. 

Fuelture has provided a list of Eco-Driving Tips to help you on the road to more fuel efficient driving.

• Drive off straight after starting your engine.

• Change your gears between smoothly and try to keeps revs below 2500rpm. The following table offers guidelines for efficient gear changing.

• Hard acceleration, sharp breaking and aggressive driving all use more fuel as well as being more dangerous!

• Keep your speed steady.  Fuel consumption is most efficient between 40–60mph

• Turn the engine off when you are in heavy traffic.

• Keep your tires inflated.  Checking pressure twice a month, this will make the tires last longer and reduce emissions by 5%.

• Don't carry unnecessary loads in the boot or on the roof as this will increase fuel consumption.

• Planning your journey will reduce unnecessary mileage due to getting lost, stuck in traffic or road works.

• Use air conditioning and heaters sparingly.

• Make sure that your car is regularly serviced.

• 40% of all car journeys’ in the UK are less than 3miles, and cause 60% more pollution because the engine is cold.

Who's Doing It?

The Dutch are again putting the rest of Europe to shame.  The Netherlands have an eco-car registration scheme and began their eco-driving campaign in November 2005.  The campaign goals are to reduce fuel consumption, cut emissions, and improve safety.  Dutch driving instructors and examiners have been trained in the eco-driving concept, which now is part of the theory examination for driving students..

Germany has provisions for all learner drivers to learn eco-driving as part of the driving test.

Last November, the UK introduced an eco-driving section into the advanced driving instructors test, but has not yet gone mainstream.  There are plans for February 2008 to make eco-driving part of the standard driving test in the UK.  Also, the Official DSA Guide to Driving now includes a section on eco-driving.

What the Press Think?

“Greater encouragement and incentives for the development and take-up of technological solutions such as hybrid and LPG  vehicles are required and these financial incentives should be linked to an education and communication programme to encourage eco-driving.”

[Independent, 4 Apr. 2006]

“New for 2006 are a 30-minute documentary on Driving Skills for Life, to be broadcast this spring on public television stations, including PBS, and enhanced curriculum on the web site, notably the importance of eco-driving to personal safety and the environment.”

[US Newswire, 16 Mar. 2006]

Are you an Eco-Driver? 

LPG drivers are helping the environment by choosing to run a green-friendly car.  Do your driving techniques follow suit?  Click here to take an eco-driving test.

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