Memorial Day Travelers Can Save 38 Percent Of Their Gas Bill With Six Simple Economy Tips

* Gas prices this Memorial Day weekend are 34 percent higher than a year ago * Ford Motor Company tests show consumer habits have a larger impact on their fuel bill, costing consumers up to 38 percent of their fuel economy * Based on test results, consumers can save up to $1,056 annually, simply by improving driver habits and vehicle maintenance

DEARBORN, Mich., May 24 -- According to AAA, gasoline prices are a record $2.93 nationally, 34 percent higher than a year ago. However, Ford Motor Company tests show consumers can recoup almost 40 percent of their possible fuel economy by using six painless fuel economy tips.

These tests show that inefficient driver habits alone can sap up to 21 percent of possible fuel economy. In addition, inefficient driver habits and vehicle maintenance can rob consumers of up to 38 percent of their possible fuel economy.

According to AAA, an estimated 31.4 million Americans will travel by car over Memorial Day weekend, the unofficial start of the summer vacation season. With so many travelers on the road this weekend, and countless more family road trips coming this summer, these simple tips can have a profound impact on both the family pocketbook and the national fuel consumption.

"There is a direct correlation between fuel economy and the driver's behavior and vehicle care," says Ford Hybrid Vehicle Engineer Stephen Hunter. "These tests illustrate just how much control the driver has over his or her fuel bill."

For the test, Ford evaluated two pair of vehicles over the course of 500 miles. The first test used two V-6 Ford Fusions, prepped identically, and concurrently driven over the same 500-mile route. The only variable was driver behavior, including the three most common habits that lead to decreased fuel economy: excessive idling, aggressive driving, and excessive air conditioning use. The efficient driver achieved a 21 percent increase in fuel economy over the inefficient driver -- from 26 mpg to 31.5 mpg, saving almost $10.00 over a 500 mile drive.

The second test used two four-wheel drive Ford Escape Hybrids. For evaluation, the drivers employed the same efficient and inefficient behaviors as with the Fusion test, driving concurrently over a 500-mile route. However, one vehicle was prepped to illustrate the three biggest vehicle care habits that impact fuel economy: incorrect tire pressure, dirty air filter, and an increased wind drag. Here, the efficient driver realized a 38 percent increase in fuel economy over the inefficient driver -- from 20.24 mpg to 27.88 mpg - saving more than $20.00 over 500 miles.

"This fuel economy test shows how much impact the consumers can have on their own fuel economy," says Hunter. "Although the amount of impact will differ on every vehicle, these six tips will benefit every driver, and every vehicle. And, if you extend that fuel economy over a full year, your gas savings can be significant."

Using the Fusion test results, a driver covering 500 miles a week for a year could save $523.64 in gas over the course of a year just by modifying driving style (total fuel cost multiplied by 52 weeks per year). Using the Escape Hybrid test results, improving driver habits and vehicle maintenance could save $1,056.12 per year.

For more fuel saving tips and statistics, consumers can go to http://www.drivingskillsforlife.com/ , and click on the Eco-Driving module.