Driving to some is a hobby while to some, a
full time job. Whichever way this is viewed, driving entails the movement of
vehicles from one place to another. And this definitely, involves so many
activities and knowledge of driving, accommodation of other road users,
understanding roads, environment and maintenance of vehicles.
So, in other to
have adequate knowledge of all the aforementioned, it is pertinent that drivers
understand and put into usage the concept called “Eco Driving”. This concept is all about driving to save cost,
energy, time and lives in general. And to get these done, the following
techniques (practical and impractical) are to be adopted and infused into our
driving styles;
Drive
smoothly at lower engine speed: Drivers are advised to accelerate
gradually and smoothly because the more often we depress the accelerator, the
more fuel flows. Also, you may wish to
know that most vehicles of this generation are better suited for low engine
speeds. Which means, whenever they are driven at high engine speeds, as it is
often noticed, they are being used wrongly. You may be puzzled by the frequent
breakdowns of your cars, I’m sure it is as a result of how you drive them.
Avoid
over-speeding: As humans, the faster we run, the quicker we get tired. And to
guide against dehydration we take in more fluids. This same principle can be
related to vehicles, as the more a vehicle speeds, the more fuel needed to
power on. Also, when the speed of an
engine doubles, the air resistance increases by four and by this, the car needs
more energy to overcome the air. Avoiding over-speeding also gives drivers
enough time to reason for way out in case of a crash.
Closing
of windows when driving above 50km/hr: Drivers are
expected to only wind down when they are below 50km/hr because there is no or
less air resistance and also, to let in air ventilation. But, whenever a
vehicle speeds more than 50km/h and glasses are down, air resistance comes into
play. This is because the more you speed, the more your car resists air. And
this takes more energy/fuel consumption.
Removal
of load hangers on vehicles: To reduce air resistance, you are advised to
remove any form of carrier or hanger fitted to your car.
Avoid
idling of vehicle: if your vehicle will not be on a move for
more than 60 sec or you happen to find yourself by a traffic light, you are
advised to switch off your car in other to avoid idling, which causes unnecessary
consumption of fuel. And please note, if you drive a car that has ignition
problem, please don’t practice this.
Remain
in gear and don’t depress your accelerator when driving downhill: I know
this may be hard to adopt because we tend to enjoy the speed that comes with
acceleration when driving downhill. It is good you know that, an engine on
neutral still needs some fuel to keep moving but when an engine is on and in
gear, it is safe to say the position/momentum of the vehicle drives the engine.
Use
air conditioner sparingly
Regular
Maintenance of vehicle: It is your responsibility to look out for
your car as at when due, and this involves general and regular servicing of
your car. Check for the correct psi
of your tyres by getting the car’s manual and pump every fortnight in other to
avoid under-inflation, uneven wear and tear of your tyres and to also reduce
fuel consumption.
In
conclusion, research has shown that, if Eco Driving is religiously practiced less
fuel will be used for same kilometers of journey covered and this means there
will be reduction in gaseous emissions which we know are harmful to the
society. And to contribute to the reduction of global warming, as it was revealed
in Europe that 25% of global warming is caused by automobiles, it is important
drivers adopt this driving style. In other to keep our environment safe for
all, to reduce road crash and live healthily, it is important to adopt Eco
driving. You are also assured that, this driving style saves funds for fuel
cost & consumption by 10-15%. If you think this isn’t significant, contribute
the money gained to the needy.
Written by Kayode Kola-Ajayi
An officer of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Nigeria.
Twitter: @Kolawole1788
E-mail: kk.ajayi@frsc.gov.ng
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