As motorists head out to celebrate our nation’s independence this Fourth of July, they are continuing to feel the pain at the pump. Although gas prices remain at or near record highs, “Eco-Driving” can help motorists declare their independence from high gas prices by making some easy changes to their driving habits. The Eco-Driving Campaign provides fuel- and cost-savings tips and also reminds motorists arriving in or near metropolitan areas for July 4th celebrations to take advantage of transit or other transportation alternatives in their holiday travel plans.
The I-95 Corridor Coalition is partnering with a number of state and metropolitan transportation agencies along the East Coast to assist drivers in alleviating the economic drain caused by higher fuel prices. Together, the agencies are promoting a public awareness campaign, “Drive Green, Save Green,” based on a program developed by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) and others to help long-distance drivers spend less on fuel and to reduce their carbon emissions at the same time. The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) has joined the I-95 Corridor region to help bring this message of fuel and cash savings to the public.
Drive Green, Save Green offers drivers seven easy actions they can take to reduce their fuel cost by up to $80 for a 700 mile round-trip journey – that’s at least an entire tank of gas for most cars. Removing unnecessary items in the trunk, inflating the tires, and using cruise control are just a few of the recommended changes.
Eco-Driving posters will be displayed at rest areas and other travel locations in the partnering states. As part of this campaign, COG is encouraging both local and long distance travelers to drive efficiently and properly maintain their vehicles.
For motorists heading to major cities for July 4th festivities and fireworks, including Washington, DC, a number of the state and metropolitan transportation agencies in the I-95 Corridor participating in the “Drive Green, Save Green” Eco-Driving program will be linking travelers to information on options such as public transportation and ridesharing. For instance, those heading to the 4th of July festivities on the National Mall can easily take public transportation or they can also use the Commuter Connections special events ridematching service to locate others willing to share the ride to the mall events.
"We commend COG for promoting fuel efficiency and we know that coordinating these efforts with other agencies extends the benefits to travelers well beyond their jurisdictional boundaries. The positive impact on the wallet and on the environment multiply significantly when Eco-Driving is promoted in multiple jurisdictions," said George Schoener, I-95 Corridor Coalition Executive Director.
“COG and the National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board (TPB) are pleased to support the I-95 Corridor Coalition’s Eco-Driving effort,” said Ronald Kirby, Director of COG’s Department of Transportation Planning. “As a regional agency in a major metropolitan area, we see an important opportunity to provide Eco-Driving tips and alternatives to commuters and long-distance travelers visiting during the summer holiday vacation season. Transit, ridesharing, bicycling and walking are great ways to get around the D.C. region, and will save travelers time and money while reducing the negative impacts on the environment. For those who choose to drive, altering driving habits and adopting a few simple car maintenance tips can get more mileage out of one’s vehicle and mean fewer trips to the pump.”
The I-95 Corridor Coalition
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.