UNIT 12RESPECT AND RESPONSIBILTYDRIVING WITH CARE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

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How Driving Affects the EnvironmentDriving has a major impact on the environment: Production of vehicles Production of fuels and chemicals Vehicle emissions Road construction Noise Disposal of vehicles and chemicals

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Slide 12.1

Fuel Efficiency

A car gives off less carbon dioxide than a larger vehicle, such as an airplane, truck, bus or train, does. Vehicles that carry large numbers of passengers, such as buses, produce less carbon dioxide per passenger than cars.

Driving at 88 km/h is the most efficient highway speed. Try to accelerate slowly to reduce emissions.

Do not leave your engine idling.

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Slide 12.2

Emissions

Cars give off air pollutants (emissions) such as carbon monoxide. These pollutants affect the quality of the air we breathe, our health, crop yields and even the global climate.

Emissions create smog and acid rain. Smog causes respiratory ailments and other illnesses. Acid rain damages our water and plants.

Global warming is the result of too much carbon dioxide and other gases trapping heat in our atmosphere. Global warming could cause average temperatures to rise, causing droughts, crop failures, lower water levels and more frequent and severe storms.

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Slide 12.3

Hazardous materials

Vehicles contain many potentially hazardous or damaging materials:

Brake and steering fluids Anti freeze Batteries Oil Old tires

Do not handle these materials unless you have been trained how to do so.

Dispose of all materials (and vehicles properly). Contact

your environmental agency for advice.software

Slide 12.4

When not to Drive

Avoid driving: During rush hours. For short trips, (consider walking or cycling). For longer trips, public transit is an environmentally

friendly alternative to driving alone. A poorly maintained vehicle, or with under-inflated tires.

If you have to drive: Plan ahead. Combine several errands into one trip. Carpool

whenever possible Keep your tires properly inflated to reduce your fuel bill,

emissions and tire wear.

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Slide 12.5

Choosing and Maintaining a carWhen buying a car, look for: Owner history and correct documentation Service history Take a more experienced driver with you at first

Maintain your vehicle for safety, efficiency, and to help it last:

Keep your vehicle’s engine well tuned. Worn spark plugs, dragging brakes, low transmission fluid or a transmission not going into high gear can increase fuel consumption substantially.

Follow the recommended maintenance schedule in your vehicle owner’s manual to maximize fuel efficiency.

Have any leaks or warnings checked promptly.software

Slide 12.6