|
| |
Ecosafe Driving Lessons |
What you can do |
Transport is an essential part of the modern life, but we cannot ignore its environmental consequences - local, regional and global. There's increasing public concern for the protection of our environment, with the result that many motor manufacturers are devoting more time, effort and resources to the development of environmentally -friendly vehicles.
But you, as a drive, can also help. If you follow the principles of' Ecosafe driving' set out into the following pages, you will become a more environmentally- friendly driver and
- Your journeys will be more comfortable
- You could considerably reduce your fuel bills
- You could reduce those emissions that
- cause damage to the atmosphere.
More importantly you will become a safer driver as you develop your planning, perception and anticipation skills to a high level.
Try to drive in an eco-friendly manner at all times, whether you are driving for business or pleasure. Fuel, like all forms of power, costs money as well as having an impact on the environment. Minimising the fuel or power you use is always important, both for the planet and for your pocket.
However, although it is good to save fuel, you must not compromise the safety of yourself and other road users when attempting to do so. Road safety is more important than fuel-saving. At all times you should be prepared to adapt to changing conditions and it may be that you have to sacrifice fuel-saving for safety.
The effects of pollution
Air pollution contributes to health problems for many people. In densely populated areas, traffic is the biggest source of air pollution. Read transport accounts for around 20% of all emissions and how we drive can make a surprising difference to local air quality.
The particular problem with emissions from vehicles is that they are at ground level and people with conditions like respiratory problems, heart or vascular disease are particularly exposed.
Motor vehicles account for most of the movement of people and goods. In addition, pollution also causes changes to communities and the landscape including
- Damage to vegetation
- Deterioration and weakening of buildings and bridges
- The depletion of natural resources
- Disruption of wildlife.
Fuel combustion procedures
- Carbon dioxide, a major greenhouse gas; (transport accounts for about one fifth of the carbon dioxide we procedure in this country)
- Nitric oxides from traffic; these add nitrogen to the atmosphere, causing damage and disturbance to the ecosystem.
Catalytic converters in good working order reduce these emissions.
What you can do to help - The car has become a central feature in our lives, but it is still possible to drive in a manner more beneficial to the environment by taking a little care and thought with regard to how, and when, we drive.
We give some suggestions on the following pages about what you can do to help.
|
| |
Eco-Safe Driving
Pupils will need to show that they are aware of the need for fuel efficiency and an environmentally friendly approach in all aspects of their driving. As an ADI they will need to be able to encourage their new drivers in the use of all these various techniques.
Eco friendly driving can make a significant impact on the global use of conventional fuels and make a positive contribution to the reduction of carbon emissions. This process starts with an awareness of the availability of vehicles with alternative fuels such as electric and dual fuel power.
To make an improvement in your own fuel-efficient driving, there are many areas that can be considered,
- Acceleration: The use of acceleration should be steady, smooth and progressive whenever possible, avoiding unnecessary speed peak, a smooth driving style can save up to 10% of fuel used. Where appropriate cruise control should be used as this can be more efficient on fuel usage.
- Braking: Use of footbrake should be smooth and positive with a certain amount of tapering on and off. Avoid any harsh use of the brakes by easing off the accelerator earlier where possible.
- Gear changes: Gear changes need to be made effectively with block changes up and down where appropriate. Move into the higher gears reasonably quickly, cars with manual gear change are more fuel-efficient than automatics.
- Hazard awareness and forward planning techniques: These planning techniques should be used effectively to minimize any unnecessary or harsh changes of speed or direction. Hazard identified at an early stage giving adequate time to respond and to decelerate as appropriate.
- Vehicle sympathy: Engine speed should be kept relatively low whenever possible. Generally keeping engine speed to about 3,000 rpm can save a considerable amount of fuel. All control should be used smoothly to avoid any unnecessary sharp fluctuations in speed.
- Manoeuvring: Reversing into a parking space and then driving out forwards is regarded as more fuel efficient than reversing out when the engine is cold
- Speed: keep to all legal speed limits and plan well ahead for any changes. Some experts reckon that by reducing your speed from 80 mph to 70 mph can save a considerable amount of fuel. Complied with all speed limits. Speed is appropriate to all road, traffic and weather condition.
- Air conditioning: avoid using air condition or climate control unless it is necessary. Also avoid driving with open windows and sunroof.
- Starting up and moving off: avoid excessive use of the accelerator. Moves off promptly and smoothly.
- Engine power and torque: utilized higher gear at lower engine speed where appropriate without causing the engine to labour.
- Cruise control: used in appropriate situations but without compromising road safety
|
| Next » Hazard awareness and Planning |
|
|
|
