Driving Efficiently & 10 Safety Tips

Gasoline- and diesel-powered vehicles release air pollutants and gases -- among them oxides of carbon, nitrogen, and sulphur, plus hydrocarbons and soot. These pollutants:

• Harm the air we breathe, our health, and crop yields
• See hydrocarbons + oxides of nitrogen react under sunlight to create ground-level ozone (smog) -- a serious health threat behind respiratory illnesses
• Have oxides of sulphur and nitrogen bond with water vapour to make acid rain, which damages lakes, forests, and crops
• Include carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping gases that drive global warming, which can bring on droughts, crop failures, falling water levels, and storms that are both more frequent and more severe

A single car puts out less carbon dioxide than an airplane, truck, bus, or train does -- but because cars are owned by so many and driven so much, they account for nearly half of all the carbon dioxide produced by every mode of transportation combined. Passenger-heavy vehicles like buses generate less carbon dioxide per rider than cars do.

• Think ahead and roll several errands into a single trip
• Stay off the road during rush hour; travelling off-peak is quicker, burns less fuel, and puts out fewer emissions
• Keep an eye on smog alerts and lean into eco-driving habits especially when smog is heavy
• For quick trips, think about walking or cycling instead
• On longer journeys, public transit is an eco-friendly substitute for driving solo
• Share the ride whenever you can; many parts of the province offer free carpool lots

• Don't fire up the engine when you don't need to -- a cold start sends out a heavy burst of pollutants
• Shut the engine off any time you'll be parked beyond 10 seconds; a cold-weather engine still reaches operating warmth in about 30 seconds
• Stick to the speed limits -- driving fast burns more fuel and raises your odds of a serious crash
• Out on the freeway, switch on cruise control and your overdrive gear to sip less fuel
• Shed any needless weight -- heavy baggage, wet snow, leftover winter sand or salt
• Look after your car's aerodynamics -- take off roof racks and carriers when you're not using them, and at high speed use the vents rather than opening the windows
• Use the air conditioning thoughtfully -- around town and in stop-and-go traffic, rely on the windows and vents instead, though at high speed A/C usually beats open windows on fuel economy
• Don't "top off" the tank at the pump -- the fuel that spills gives off harmful vapours

• Servicing your vehicle regularly keeps it running at peak efficiency
• Keep the engine in good tune -- a transmission that won't shift into high gear, low transmission fluid, brakes that drag, or worn-out spark plugs can each drive fuel use up sharply
• Stick to the maintenance schedule recommended in your owner's manual
• Have a specialist look at any fluid leaks to head off engine damage and environmental harm
• Keep your tires inflated to the right pressure to trim your fuel bill, your emissions, and your tire wear
• Get your alignment checked on a regular basis to cut down on uneven tire wear and fuel use

1. Never drink and drive, and don't get behind the wheel while on any medication that affects your driving.
2. Buckle up every time, and make sure each passenger has the right child car seat, booster seat, or seatbelt.
3. Respect the speed limits, and ease off whenever the road or the weather turns poor.
4. Steer clear of risks: no cutting people off, no abrupt lane changes, and no running yellow lights.
5. Stay off the road whenever you feel tired, upset, or unwell.
6. When in doubt, wave the other driver through -- give up the right-of-way.
7. Leave at least a two-second gap to the vehicle in front. To measure it, begin counting the moment the car ahead passes a fixed landmark and stop the count when your own car arrives at that spot.
8. Trim the distractions: don't pack the car too full and don't blast loud music.
9. Always clear your blind spot: glance in the mirror and over your shoulder before any lane change.
10. Scan traffic in every direction, sidewalks and paths or trails included, before you enter an intersection.