SMARTways : What Drivers Should Know!

This page is designed to highlight how driving can affect the environment and how some of these problems can be reduced.

After starting the engine, it's best to drive off immediately. Idling pollutes the environment and leads to excessive fuel consumption.
You can drive smoothly and economically by avoiding high revs. Instead, depress the accelerator gently to drive away and change to a higher gear in time. Avoid depressing the accelerator repeatedly when your car is stationary as this uses more fuel and causes air pollution and noise.
Do not approach traffic lights at speed. If it is clear that you will have to stop, allow the vehicle to coast if possible.
Even if you only have to wait for 30 seconds, it is more economical to switch the engine off and start it again when necessary. Waiting? Switch the engine off!
Driving at high speed uses more fuel and cause even more pollution. Generally, fuel consumption and pollution increase above 50 mph (and particularly above 60 mph). Overtaking is often pointless. You don't save any time as you only move up one or two places in the traffic, while relatively large amounts of fuel are required.
Avoid unnessecary drag. Ensure that the doors, bonnet and boot close properly. Remove caravan mirrors and roof racks when not in use.
To drive economically you need to maintain a sufficient distance between yourself and the next vehicle. This way there is less need to react suddenly, you can brake and accelerate more smoothly.
On bends, reduce speed in time and accelerate smoothly when you are halfway through the bend. Late, heavy braking before the bend followed by rapid acceleration lead to excessively high fuel consumption.
If you watch the road ahead and anticipate any likely problems, your driving style will become smoother and better controlled.
Tyres in good condition and at the correct pressure improve both safety and fuel consumption. Be sure to check your tyres regularly.
An economiser is an excellent tool to use when learning to drive economically, ask your garage or dealer for more information.

What affects your fuel consumption?	Driving style, short trips, temperature, car maintenance, rapid acceleration.
What is the most important factor?	Your driving style is the most important factor affecting energy consumption.
Why is it better not to use the car for short trips?	A cold engine uses almost twice as much fuel as a warm engine. Try walking or cycling and save some money.
What is the best way to start a car?	By using the choke as little as possible and driving off gently, without delay.
Can I save fuel while driving in town?	Yes, by avoiding high engine speeds and changing to a higher gear when possible.
What is meant by 'reading the road'?	Look ahead while driving and anticipating events.
Why is it important to keep a safe distance?	So that you can brake smoothly when required, without endangering other road users.
Why do we have a speed limit?	Driving too fast wastes fuel, causes even more pollution and hardly saves any time.
What distance should I maintain from the car in front?	As many meters as your speed in mph (see table below)

PM: it is assumed that fuel consumption, pollutant emissions and noise are lowest at approximately 50 mph, the most economical driving speed. Higher speeds lead to increased fuel consumption and environmental impacts, as shown above.

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