TxDOT Urges Drivers To Be Fuel Efficient

The Texas Department of Transportation is urging drivers to cut down on their fuel emissions and save some money in the process with its campaign, Drive Clean Across Texas. TxDOT officials believe half of the air pollution in certain parts of the state is created by vehicle emissions.

The state agency launches the annual campaign each summer. The spokeswoman for the El Paso TxDOT office, Blanca Del Valle, said the campaign is timed out that way to remind people how the heat can affect vehicle performance as well as air quality.

Here are some ways TxDOT suggests you can become more fuel efficient and help the air quality:

– Keep your vehicle maintained. A well-running car or truck will conserve fuel and reduce emissions. Make sure to keep your tires properly inflated, change air and fuel filters often and service air conditioning. Also, seal your gas cap tightly, refuel during late afternoon or evening, and don’t “top off” the tank. Lighten your load by removing roof racks and emptying your trunk of unnecessary weight.

– Drive less. Reducing the number of vehicles on the road, especially during rush hour, means less traffic and less exhaust. Consider combining your errands into one trip and ride a bicycle or walk when you can.

– Don’t speed. Speeding burns more fuel, sending more harmful pollutants into the air.

– Reduce idling. Idling wastes gas. In fact, turning off the car and starting it again uses less gas than idling for thirty seconds or more. Consider avoiding drive-thrus at the bank or fast food restaurants.

– Buy a “cleaner” vehicle. Look into a fuel-efficient or low-emission vehicle such as a hybrid-electric car.

TxDOT is giving away a chance to win a 2012 Ford Fusion Hybrid. For more information, click here.