Good Practice of the Week: Courses on efficient driving of vehicles – Province of Teruel, Spain

Economic and social development has generated a considerable increase in car use, including in mountain areas. This is associated with an increase in pollution and traffic congestion. These courses aim to reduce these negative impacts and promote more efficient and sustainable transport. Drivers of passenger vehicles are the target group of these classes. 2400 students followed theoretical and practical lessons to learn how to drive and save energy.

The key elements of an efficient driving are the following:

–       To start the car without touching the accelerator

–       Do not use first gear more than 2 seconds

–       To use high gears as much as possible when driving

–       Try to stop smoothly

–       In prolonged stops, try to stop the engine

Through practicing an energy saving way of driving, one driver can obtain reductions in fuel consumption of close to 15% compared to conventional driving.