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GPS for Greater Fuel Efficiency, Lower CO2 Footprint and Saving Money
When it comes to a tool we Americans use every day, nothing consumes more energy and produces more carbon dioxide than our precious automobile. Therefore, doesn’t it make sense to minimize our impact on the planet as much as possible when we drive? We already have hybrid cars and more fuel efficient gas powered cars, but what we don’t have are efficient driving habits.
If you are like me, a male, when was the last time you consulted a roadmap? Heck, I know where I’m going! Oh, I may look at roadmap if I’m driving cross country, but in my own town, forget it. We all, however, pay a price for my arrogance. Although 99% of the time I know where I am going, I seldom know if the route I’ve chosen is the most efficient way to my destination.
A recently published study conducted by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute on the impact of GPS devices relating to fuel efficiency found that, left to their own devices, almost 50 percent of drivers selected routes to their destinations that were not the most fuel efficient. What this means is that energy was consumed, and carbon dioxide produced, while drivers took inefficient routes to their destinations, circled around trying to find where they were going, an/or sat at the curb consulting a map as their car idled (your car is at it’s least efficient while idling).
This study found that drivers using GPS navigation systems had lower stress levels, felt safer as they drove, traveled more efficiently, and saved time and gas by doing so. Many GPS units also provide you with options to help you optimize your routes. Look for those that can provide both the quickest route and the shortest route. They are not the same, and often the quickest route avoids stop lights, intersections, and other situations which cause you to stop and start, thus wasting fuel and time. GPS units also provide you with a “waypoints” or “favorite” feature where you can program in your common destinations. This allows you to plan your route in the most efficient manner. For example, you have to go the grocery store after work. Program select the waypoints for the store and home and let the GPS unit calculate the most efficient route home.
Grow and Make is UpFront