Eco-Driving Campaign Provides Fuel Efficiency Tips

ALBANY, NY (05/25/2011)(readMedia)-- With gas prices at historically high levels, New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) Commissioner Joan McDonald today urged motorists to take simple steps to save fuel and reduce carbon emissions during the busy summer travel season. The recommendations are part of an Eco-Driving Campaign sponsored by the I-95 Corridor Coalition, of which NYSDOT is a member.

"Eco-Driving is one of the most effective ways consumers can conserve fuel and reduce their carbon emissions," Commissioner McDonald said. "By participating in this initiative, motorists can make simple changes while driving and before they hit the road that will save money while helping to reduce New York State's carbon footprint by limiting emissions from transportation."

The Eco-Driving program offers drivers seven easy actions they can take to reduce their fuel cost by up to $80 for a 700 mile round-trip journey. Tips include:

· Removing unnecessary items from the trunk in order to reduce vehicle weight can save motorists three to six cents per gallon;

· Fully inflating tires can save motorists up to nine cents per gallon;

· Changing vehicle oil on a regular basis can save motorists three to six cents per gallon;

· Tightening the fuel cap to prevent gasoline fumes from escaping can save motorists 30 gallons of gas per year;

· Reducing speed by five miles-per-hour when driving at more than 60 MPH can save 24 cents per gallon;

· Using air conditioning instead of opening windows when driving at more than 40 MPH can improve fuel efficiency by ten percent; and

· Using cruise control can improve fuel economy by seven percent and save 20 cents per gallon.

In New York, NYSDOT is partnering with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, Department of Environmental Conservation, Consumer Protection Board, Thruway Authority and Department of Motor Vehicles to promote the eco-driving initiative. Posters will be displayed at rest areas and other travel locations. Travelers can visit NYSDOT's new Web site, www.nysdot.gov/ecodriving, which provides tips on driving more efficiently, properly maintaining vehicles and reducing vehicle trips.

DEC Commissioner Joe Martens said, "Adopting eco-driving habits is a win-win for New York. Consumers can lower out-of-pocket fuel costs and, at the same time, all New Yorkers will benefit from reduced greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution."

The I-95 Corridor Coalition is partnering with a number of state transportation agencies along the eastern seaboard to assist drivers in saving money and reducing transportation's carbon footprint along the East Coast. Together, the agencies are launching a public awareness campaign, based on a program developed by North Carolina DOT and other member agencies, to help long-distance drivers spend less on fuel and to reduce their carbon emissions at the same time. New York has joined North Carolina, Maryland and Delaware by participating as a launch partner agency. Additional transportation agencies are expected to become partners throughout the summer driving season.

I-95 Corridor Coalition Executive Director George Schoener said, "We commend the New York State Department of Transportation for promoting fuel efficiency, and believe that coordinating these efforts with other states extends the benefits to travelers well beyond New York's boundaries. The impacts on savings to the wallet and on the environment multiply significantly when eco-driving is promoted in multiple jurisdictions."

The I-95 Corridor Coalition

The I-95 Corridor Coalition is a partnership of State Departments of Transportation and related authorities and organizations, from Maine to Florida (with affiliates in Canada), working together to accelerate improvements in long-distance freight movement and passenger travel. For more information, see the Coalition website at www.i95coalition.org.

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