RAC urges motorists to take on eco-driving practices

Today the RAC claimed that better driving technique and improved journey planning, amongst other eco-friendly driving practices, could save motorists up to £100 every year whilst lower environmental impact.

The RAC accused motorists of currently wasting £2.2 billion in petrol per year.

According to the RAC 60% of drivers are unaware of the fact that changing gears when the revs are high can lessen petrol consumption. Similarly 40% of drivers believed that by driving under 45mph fuel was always saved.

An additional 9% confessed to checking their tyre pressure under once a year and 77% were unaware that petrol consumption is increased when tyres are under-inflated.

Poor journey planning and driving equals in excess of 5bn miles; enough fuel to fill 267 Olympic swimming pools.

The RAC concluded that motorists are unsure as to which procedures save fuel.

A total nine percent of drivers incorrectly assumed that regular breaking reduces consumption of fuel, whilst a further 14% incorrectly believed that warming the engine up before driving reduced petrol consumption.

Shockingly an additional 27% of drivers surveyed did not realise that switchi9ng off the air-conditioning would save fuel considerably.

David Bizley, the RAC’s technical director, spoke of the fact that by assuming eco driving techniques, motorists can save money on petrol (being as it is at a record high), help the environment and reduce fuel consumption.

The RAC has released a number of guidelines for drivers to help improve fuel efficiency and reduce environmental impact.

The RAC has suggested introducing measures including; checking tyres are fully inflated; cutting down on excess baggage in your car; driving at the appropriate speed; anticipating traffic flow and therefore less stopping and starting of the engine; planning your route before to avoid wasting fuel by getting lost; reducing over-revving and finally switching off the engine should the motorist be at a standstill for more than three minutes.