Eco driving can 'improve safety and fuel consumption'
Motorists can improve their safety and fuel consumption by using eco-driving techniques.
According to Bob Millard, the Driving Standards Agency’s assistant chief examiner, there are many advantages to using these measures behind the wheel: “By adopting eco-safe driving techniques, drivers will be safer, with a reduction in the risk of accidents, and their journeys will be less stressful.”
Mr Millard added safety is the main incentive for using more efficient methods, while saving money is a welcome bonus.
He went on to say eco-friendly measures reduce the wear and tear on a vehicle, potentially cutting the cost of maintenance.
The comments come after the Energy Saving Trust published a report which stated motorists can reduce carbon emissions by turning their engines off while stuck in traffic and avoiding sharp acceleration and abrupt braking.
What is green driving?
The term eco driving, or green driving refers to simple techniques and tips, which will encourage safer, more cost-effective and environmentally-friendly motoring.
| Eco driving | … at a glance |
|---|---|
 Take it smooth |
Avoiding harsh acceleration and braking saves fuel and reduces wear and tear – it leaves you feeling more relaxed, too |
| Anticipate |
By looking as far as possible up the road it’s possible to reduce stop/start driving, thereby reducing fuel consumption and making you a safer driver into the bargain |
| Shed weight |
Remove unnecessary clutter from your car and you will use less fuel |
| Improve your aerodynamics |
If you don’t regularly use your roof rack or top box, remove it as it’s reducing the efficiency of your car |
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What is the ETA?
The ETA is a not-for-profit and ethical organisation providing motorists and cyclists with green breakdown cover and green insurance products. As well as encouraging responsible driving to reduce carbon, the ETA campaigns for sustainable transport.
