The car is an integral part of modern life. It provides us with greater mobility and an 'easier' life. But at what cost to our well being, the local environment and the planet itself?
Ever increasing numbers of cars on the road are leading to high levels of congestion and pollution. Cars are being used for even the shortest of journeys so people are missing out on healthy exercise. Yet at the end of the day the car isn't going to disappear. It's always going to be around. What we have to do is learn how to use it whilst causing as little damage as possible to the environment.
Carbon Dioxide (C02) This is the main 'greenhouse' gas contributing towards global warming and a normal family car will on average produce one tonne of this gas each year.
Carbon Monoxide (CO) Vehicle exhaust emissions can also include Carbon Monoxide which is lethal at both high and low levels. It can cause headaches, tiredness, stress and is a health hazard to people asthma and heart disease.
Hop On A Bus
A normal bus can comfortably sit 50 car drivers; that's 50 cars less contributing towards traffic congestion and pollution. Modern buses are reliable, clean and comfortable with more and more priority bus lanes speeding up travelling times. You'll be surprised at how quickly a bus can get you into work. Just think! - No car means no road tax, no more insurance, no more expensive servicing or costly repairs. AND you can forget all about 'road rage.'
If you're wanting to travel further afield then a train will keep you on the right tracks!
A Real Choker Did you know? -
A quarter of all journeys made by car are less than 2 miles.
60% of all car journeys are less than 5 miles.
70% of all journeys to work are made by car.
A high percentage of rush hour traffic is caused by parents taking their children to and from school.
On Yer Bike For many short journeys it's the only way to travel.
It's cheap, it's environmentally friendly and it's healthy!
You can get 10 bikes into the parking space taken by 1 car.
Take a Hike Walking is one form of travel that won't cost you a penny. Not only will you find it more cost-effective but walking briskly 3 or 4 times week will reduce the risk of heart disease and high blood pressure.
Car SharingThe next time you're driving to work count the number of 'driver only' cars you see. Thousands of people travelling to work from the same area. Sharing a car not only reduces traffic congestion and pollution, but by taking turns to drive you can halve your fuel bills. It gets even better if there's three or four willing to share.
Speed Costs Money When you're driving at 70mph (110kph) instead of 50mph (80kph) you're using about 30% more fuel.
Steady Away
Driving at speeds of between 40-50mph (65-90kph) will maximise fuel efficiency and keep exhaust emissions to a minimum.
Top Driving Tips Avoid idling and only start your engine when you are ready to move off. If you have a vehicle with a manual choke, push it in as soon as the car starts to run smoothly.
By accelerating away too fast can use almost 60% more fuel than pulling away gently.
Reduce traffic congestion outside schools by taking the time to walk your children to school (if they're too young to go themselves). They'll learn more about pedestrian and road safety skills and the exercise will benefit everyone.
If You Really Must Drive If you really can't live without a car, then think small. A small car will be a lot nippier around town and a lot easier to park, and taking up less space has got to mean less congestion. It will also be less damaging to the environment and you'll find the smaller engine more economical and a lot less demanding on your pocket.
Regular Servicing Getting your car serviced on a regular basis will help to keep dangerous exhaust emissions in check whilst also making the vehicle fuel efficient and economical to run.
Always make sure your service includes a vehicle emissions check.
Did you know that under inflated tyres are not only dangerous but can increase fuel consumption?
WARNING
It is an offence to use a vehicle on the road which has failed the MOT emissions standards. Roadside checks are carried out regularly by Government Vehicle Examiners.
Ask Youself Would your car pass an exhaust emissions test?
Are you fuel and energy efficient in the way you drive?
Do you really need to use your car for every journey. Couldn't you get there just as easy using public transport?
90% OF BADLY POLLUTING VEHICLES CAN BE EASILY RE-TUNED WITHIN 15 MINUTES.
ASK AT YOUR LOCAL GARAGE.
Have you thought about buying locally to reduce the congestion caused by out of town shopping?
Are you concerned about the devastation that cars are causing to the planet and our health?
Have you stopped to think about what sort of world future generations will inherit?
THE TIME FOR ACTION IS NOW! Don't wait until it's too late.
Take the road to a brighter & healthier future. Today!
For further information see Related Content links:
24,000 people die prematurely each year due to traffic pollution
PLEASE USE YOUR CAR LESS
