Simple things: drive smart

An insert from the World Wildlife Fund today got me thinking. The insert was titled, "10 Simple Things YOU Can Do to Help PROTECT the Earth". One of the 10 was to walk more and drive less.

OK, I buy that. But you and I both know that you can hardly get anywhere around the spreading metropolis that is Atlanta by walking. That is unless you are lucky enough to live in an area with close access to many of the places you'd want to go -- shops, grocery store, church, hair salon, and restaurants, for example. Downtown Decatur is one of those areas. But we don't all live in an area like that.

So here's a more practical tip for people in metro areas like Atlanta -- when you have to drive, drive smarter. Here are some tips on driving smarter:

• Slow down to a reasonabe amount over the speed limit. (You know who you are!). Slowing down from 75 mph to 65 mph saves over 10% on your gas. If you, like many Atlantans, have long commute time, you could save over $300 a year. That's not chump change!
• Make a constant freeway speed your goal. Use your cruise control whenever possible. Constantly speeding up and slowing down wastes (costs you) gas.
• Use your cruise control to slowly change speed. One press of the button usually changes the speed only 1 mph. This makes more efficient use of the gas and your vehicle's system.
• Wait to fill up. Filling up too soon increases the number of times you have to stop, then restart your vehicle. Each startup uses an extra slug of gas. So wait until you really need to gas up.
• Carpool when practical. Share the cost and lower the gas consumed, which also lowers the pollution belched into the air. If you can pick the co-riders, you'll also enjoy the trip more. Too many families these days each drive their car to an event. Bite the bullet; drive in one car. Make compromises. Just "getter done!"
• Use rapid transit when practical. Drive to a nearly train station if you need to save overall trip time. Then rail it! Use the time on the rail to read a good book. Relax and enjoy helping the environment.
• Plan trips. Make maximum use of your drive time and distance. Combine needed use of the car for shopping, eating ,work, etc. into as few trips as practical.