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Motorists Can Become "Green Drivers"
To Help Improve Air Quality
Washington — Motorists can become 'green drivers' by
regularly carrying out simple car care and maintenance procedures that
also work to help improve air quality, a nonprofit transportation research
group based in Washington, D.C. reports.
The Road Information Program (TRIP) states that, as part of National Car
Care month, motorists can do their part for the environment by following
routine car care maintenance procedures such as keeping car engines well-tuned,
having exhaust systems inspected regularly and keeping tires properly
inflated.
"As our nation addresses key environmental concerns, motorists should
understand that taking proper care of their cars means they also will
be doing their part to improve the environment," said William M.
Wilkins, TRIP's executive director.
"Steps such as keeping car engines tuned and tires properly inflated
help improve air quality by conserving the amount of fuel used,"
Wilkins said. "Equipment maintenance and inspection are important
because most air quality improvements over the past 25 years have come
about because of improved automotive technology."
Wilkins said major strides have taken place in automotive technology to
improve air quality, such as the catalytic converter, an emissions control
device, which all newer model cars have. Regular tailpipe inspections
also ensure that emissions equipment is working properly to reduce vehicle
emissions.
"Improved automotive technology is the major reason air quality has
improved significantly since the early 1970's," Wilkins said.
"As motorists, we should do our part to make sure the equipment is
working like it is supposed to."
Over the past 10 years, the emission of smog-forming pollutants by cars,
trucks and other highway vehicles nationally has decreased by 21 percent,
according to TRIP's analysis of the Environmental Protection Agency's
air quality data. During the same time period, highway travel increased
by 29 percent.
In addition, TRIP reports there has been a 62 percent reduction in poor
air quality days in the nation's top metropolitan areas between 1987
and 1996.
TRIP is issuing its updated "green driving tips" as part of
its public awareness campaign to educate motorists about steps they can
take to help improve the environment.
Other key tips provided by TRIP include:
- Avoid "topping off" the gas tank when refueling. This helps
prevent spilled gasoline, which evaporates and contributes to air pollution.
- Don't pump the accelerator if your car has fuel injection. A
properly tuned, fuel-injected car should start right away, even in cold
weather.
- Use an engine heater in cold climates. The warmer the engine upon
starting, the quicker it and the catalytic converter achieve maximum
efficiency.
- Avoid excess idling in non-traffic situations. Idling more than 30
seconds consumes more fuel than restarting the engine.
- Accelerate smoothly and maintain steady speeds. Quick starts and rapid
acceleration waste fuel.
For additional information about 'green driving' tips,
contact the TRIP office at 202-466-6706, or e-mail us at trip@novanetwork.com.
Provided as a public service by The Road Information Program (TRIP).
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