ESB Safe Driving Bureau

Want to save money? Drive economically!

Planning - the earlier you take in information, the more time you have to process it and adapt your position and speed to suit conditions. This cuts out unnecessary braking / accelerating and improves fuel efficiency.

Maintaining distance from the vehicle in front will also give you time to respond should the driver in front slow down. This means that you won't automatically have to brake just because the car in front does.

Keep moving where conditions allow, e.g. don't rush up on a red traffic light, as you will only end up stationary in traffic. Plan your approach so that you arrive just as the light has turned green.

Reversing in to a parking space means that the manoeuvre is being carried out when the engine is warm and driving out when it is cold. Once you start your car, aim to move away without delay.

The speed you drive at not only determines your accident potential, but also your fuel efficiency. Travelling at 110km/h uses 30 % more fuel than travelling at 80km/h.

Smooth and progressive use of the accelerator, good acceleration sense and early/progressive braking all help you to drive more smoothly. Smooth driving has been known to reduce fuel consumption by about 15%.

It is not always necessary to change up/down through all the gears sequentially. Missing out intermediate gears and driving in the highest gear possible without making the engine struggle will improve fuel economy.

Remember, however, that safety always comes before economy, so make sure that you always have a flexible gear for dealing with hazards

Minimise drag by removing roof racks/roof boxes whenever they're not in use. Don't carry items in your boot that you don't need. Both steps can reduce consumption by 15%.

Air conditioning can increase fuel consumption by about 15%. Courtesy of Irish Advanced Motorists www.irishadvancedmotorists.ie

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