INTRODUCTION

The Driver Energy Conservation Awareness Training (DECAT) Program was developed for the US Department of Energy by the Reynolds Electrical and Engineering Company, Inc. It presents a comprehensive program for increasing driver efficiency to conserve fuel.

People are becoming more energy conscious as a result of the rising cost of fuel and the decreasing quality of the air we breathe. Conserving energy will lessen the impact of higher oil prices and our country's reliance on foreign oil imports, help the nation's economy, and improve the environment.

Automobiles and trucks consume over 75% of the nation's transportation energy supply. Since driving is such a vital part of our social and economic lives, it is important for each of us to voluntarily conserve fuel. You can “save it on the road” and stretch your fuel dollars without hardship by applying conservation techniques.

The following items, categorized into five areas, are important to fuel economy in driving.

VEHICLE OPERATION

• Observe the speed limit. However, traffic, weather and road conditions may require a slower speed for safety and fuel economy.
• Extend your vision 10 to 12 seconds down the road. Tailgating reduces your chances for planning economic modes of driving.
• Adjust your driving habits to changing road conditions.
• Keep the windows closed at highway speeds; use internal venting or air conditioning. Avoid using the air conditioner at lower speeds.
• Take advantage of rolling resistance rather than heavy braking to help slow you down. This deceleration technique is one of the best for fuel saving.
• Turn off all power-consuming accessories before turning off the ignition. This action will minimize engine load the next time you start up.
• Revving the engine just before turning off the ignition costs extra fuel and may cause engine damage.
• Avoid idling for more than 30 seconds; restarting the engine within 8-10 minutes causes little engine wear.
• Maintain a steady speed and anticipate stops as far ahead as possible.
• Avoid unnecessary steering wheel movement since each sideward movement of the tire causes fuel-consuming drag.
• Accelerate slowly on gravel or slippery roads.
• Avoid jackrabbit starts and unnecessary braking.

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