BMC Partners With I-95 Corridor Coalition to Promote Eco-Driving

BMC PARTNERS WITH I-95 CORRIDOR COALITION TO PROMOTE ECO-DRIVING: SIMPLE CHANGES THAT CAN ADD UP TO SUBSTANTIAL FUEL SAVINGS

BALTIMORE, MD (July 1, 2011) – The Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC) urges motorists to declare their independence from high gasoline prices by making a few easy changes in their driving habits over the holiday weekend. BMC has partnered with the I-95 Corridor Coalition of transportation agencies from Maine to Florida to offer seven easy steps that can reduce fuel costs by as much as $80 for a 700 mile, round-trip journey.

Before hitting the road…

• Get the junk out of your trunk, and save 4-8 cents per gallon
  
  An extra 100 pounds reduces gas mileage by up to 2 percent
  
  
• Fully inflate your tires, and save 11 cents per gallon&
  
  Experts estimate that a quarter of all vehicles run on underinflated tires
  
  
• Change your oil, and save 4-8 cents per gallon
  
  Using manufacturer recommended grade of motor oil improves fuel economy by 1-2 percent
  
  
• Tighten your fuel cap, and save 30 gallons per year
  
  One of the easiest possible ways to keep gas in your tank
  

On the road…

• Slow down and save up to $14 by driving 60 MPH instead of 70 MPH
  
  Each 5 MPH you drive over 6- MPH is like paying an additional 24 cents per gallon
  
  
• Avoid aggressive driving and save $1.25 per gallon
  
  Speeding, rapid acceleration and hard braking can reduce gas mileage by 33 percent at highway speeds
  
  
• Use cruise control and save 54 cents per gallon
  
  Maintaining a constant speed can improve fuel economy by up to 7 percent

Saving money isn’t the only benefit of eco-driving. Making sure your car is running at peak efficiency will also reduce vehicle emissions, and help improve air quality.

"We commend the Baltimore Metropolitan Council for promoting fuel efficiency, and believe that coordinating these efforts with other agencies extends the benefits to travelers well beyond their jurisdictional boundaries," said George Schoener, I-95 Corridor Coalition Executive Director. "The impacts on savings to the wallet and on the environment multiply significantly when eco-driving is promoted in multiple jurisdictions."

The I-95 Corridor Coalition is a partnership of state departments of transportation and related authorities and organizations from Maine to Florida, with affiliates in Canada, working together to accelerate improvements in long-distance freight movement and passenger travel. For more information, see the Coalition website at www.i95coalition.org, or contact Marygrace Parker, I-95 Corridor Coalition at i95mgp@ttlc.net.

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The Baltimore Metropolitan Council is an organization of the elected executives of Baltimore City and Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Harford and Howard counties. The executives are committed to identifying regional interests and developing collaborative strategies, plans and programs which will improve the quality of life and economic vitality throughout the region.

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Last Updated on Tuesday, 12 July 2011 10:09