On the Road

On the RoadCars and trucks contribute to air pollution by emitting carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, ozone, volatile organic compounds, chlorofluorocarbons, and particulate matter.  Each driver who makes informed changes in their personal driving habits can contribute to the reduction of the Triangle Region’s air pollution.

Turn Off Your Engine!  (No Idling!)

[The following information comes from the California Energy Commission's Consumer Energy Center.]

When you are stopped, but your car is running, you are idling the engine.  For every 2 minutes you idle your car, you burn approximately the same amount of fuel you use to drive about 1 mile.  Plus, idling cars get ZERO miles per gallon.  With today’s gas prices nearing $4.00 per gallon, idling can add up and gets you nowhere.

Idling rule of thumb:  If you’re going to be parked for more than 30 seconds, turn off your engine.

One place we do a lot of idling is in a drive-through line, such as at a fast food restaurant or the bank.  What’s an alternative?  Park your car and walk in to buy your food or make a transaction.  Often, you’ll find that the lines inside at the counters are actually shorter than those in the drive-through lane, meaning you’ll get in and out faster.  Do you sometimes get caught by the train?  Turn off your engine–even longer trains don’t take that long to travel through the crossing. 

Idling for more than 10 seconds uses more fuel than is required to restart the engine.  (Enfield Energy Committee)

To learn the truth about myths associated with idling, go to:  http://www.consumerenergycenter.org/myths/idling.html

Tips for Commuters

  • Drive less:carpool, vanpool, take the bus, bike or walk to work or wherever you are going.  Consider teleworking. Even if you only reduce your driving once in a while, it helps.  Look below for mass transit resources by county within the Research Triangle Region.
  • Consider hybrid vehicles and save money on gas.
  • Consider alternative fuels:If you drive a diesel vehicle, you can use B20 biodiesel without any engine modifications.
  • Keep your car well tuned, clean your fuel filters, reduce unnecessary weight and monitor your gasoline mileage. These simple steps will help keep your car running efficiently — which not only reduces pollution but also saves you money!
  • Check your car’s emission controls. Have them checked yearly to ensure they are working properly.
  • Save fuel and minimize emissions by avoiding sudden acceleration and unnecessary braking. Drive at steady speeds and don’t rev the engine when idling.
  • Keep your tires properly inflated, balanced and rotated. This will not only boost gas mileage but also extend the life of your tires. Remember that radial tires produce less air pollution than bias-ply tires.
  • Refueling tips: When filling your gas tank, don’t pull the vapor-catcher back from the nozzle, and don’t “top off the tank” by pulling the nozzle out. This will help minimize emissions.  During hot months, refuel in the morning or evening.

Research Triangle Region Mass Transit Resources by County

Reduced Idling and other Smart Practices for School Bus Operations

Unnecessary school bus idling pollutes the air, wastes fuel, and causes excess engine wear. Fortunately, it’s easy to implement practices that reduce school bus idling.
www.epa.gov/cleanschoolbus/antiidling.htm

Triangle Air Awareness Program • PO Box 80756 • RDU International Airport, NC 27623 • Phone:919-715-7647
Matt Swanner - Web Design, Raleigh NC

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