Motorists Can Become 'Green Drivers'

Research Group Says Motorists Can Become 'Green Drivers' And Help Nation Continue to Improve Air Quality

WASHINGTON-- Motorists can become "green drivers" by regularly carrying out simple car care and maintenance procedures that also can help our nation continue to improve air quality, a non-profit transportation research group reports. The Road Information Program (TRIP) is providing "green driving" tips on its web site (in a printable, pdf file) showing how 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, keeping tires properly inflated and not "topping off" when pumping fuel. "As our nation celebrates Earth Day, motorists can do their part by taking proper care of their cars in ways that will help 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 20 years have come about because of improved automotive technology. If motorists avoid topping off when they fill their gasoline tanks it will keep wasteful gasoline fumes from being released into the atmosphere." Wilkins said major strides have taken place in automotive technology to improve air quality through technological innovations such as the catalytic converter and emissions control devices, which most newer 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 in most parts of the country over the past 20 years," Wilkins said. In fact, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reported that emissions from automobiles have declined significantly since 1980. EPA data shows that from 1980 to 1998 overall highway vehicle emissions of volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide were reduced by 41 percent, 10 percent and 35 percent respectively. "These air quality improvements have taken place at the same time that highway travel increased by 72 percent," Wilkins said. Moreover, the EPA has projected that emissions of volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide will continue to decrease between 1998 and 2010 by 31 percent, 31 percent and 20 percent respectively. 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 include:

* Avoid excess idling in non-traffic situations; * Accelerate smoothly and maintain steady speeds; * Do not pump the accelerator if the car has fuel injection; * Plan and consolidate your trips to bypass congested routes.

TRIP's green driving tips are available by clicking on its web site at http://www.tripnet.org .