NezSez

One thing that I do to minimize my impact (at least a little) on the environment is my driving habit.

Rather than trying to convince everyone to drive a more fuel-efficient car, use public transportation, or walk more, I will share a few simple tips to drive more efficient.

A Few Simple Tips

1. Ease off the Accelerator - yes, it’s a “rat race” out there, but I try not to be in such a rush to get to places. On freeways, I stay close to the speed limit (when it is safe). Past studies have shown that gas-powered cars becomes less efficient once past the 45-60 mph speed. On city streets, I avoid constant hard acceleration and deceleration.
2. Being Patient - I get my share of drivers who cut me off, grab the right of way at a 4-way stop. But instead of getting worked up over these apparent slights, I let them slide. I know a lot of people are in a hurry, but what I do for my ease of mind is to leave just a bit earlier than when most people would. Making that a regular habit results in a more stress-free driving.
3. Corollary to #1: Use less Brakes - in big cities, certain streets have timed lights that will change to green in sequential order, and I find that if I drive at the optimal speed (determined by a little bit of experimenting), I almost never have to brake. But, if I were into heavy acceleration, not would I waste more gas, I end up braking more, thus wearing out my brakes faster. Worn out brakes have to be replaced, meaning the old brake pads will go into a landfill, with the added bonus that my wallet would be lighter sooner.
4. In a mall parking lot, I park at the first available spot - The times I’ve gone to malls I often see drivers circle around the lot many, many times, obviously looking for a spot that’s 50 feet closer to the store entrance. Meanwhile, I’ve already taken a spot near the back and am already on my wait into the store. Time is money, right? Instead of wasting gas circling, I take the first available spot and also get my circulation going.

I know these are just a few simple tips (compared to dumping the SUV or something) but they are certainly more than do-able, and would only require a slight effort on your part.

Positive Effects of Driving More Efficiently

Imagine if everyone employed such tactics in their driving: the cumulative effect would be more than a little significant. For me, I know that when I drive efficiently:

1. I help to produce a safer, calmer, healthier driving environment for everyone else out there on the road - Oh, and for pedestrians, too.
2. I reduce excess waste of gas - A good thing
3. I reduce the rate of junking my brakes - For instance, I’ve only gone through two sets of brake pads with 130,000+ miles on my car
4. I save money - the result of the above two

Well, there you go — some simple ideas on how (and why) driving efficiently is a good thing.

Try it, feel free to let me know how it goes.

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Categories: Education, Smarter View, UnCommon Sense
Tags: driving, safety, society, tips