Drive Less, Drive Smart
In the U.S., about half of the air pollution comes from cars and trucks. Two important ways to reduce air pollution are to drive less, even a little less, and drive smart. Taking fewer trips in your car or truck helps cut air pollution, and adopting smart driving habits reduces your car’s emissions.
How to Drive Less
- Carpool
- Walk or ride a bicycle
- Shop by phone or mail
- Ride public transit
- Telecommute for work
How to Drive Smart
- Accelerate gradually
- Use cruise control on the highway
- Obey the speed limit
- Combine multiple errands into one trip
- Keep your car tuned and get routine smog checks
- Don’t top off at gas stations
- Replace your air filter regularly
- Keep tires properly inflated
What About Smoking Vehicles?
Contact the U.S. EPA’s Office of Air Quality Planning & Standards.
How to Shop for Cars
Look for the most efficient, lowest polluting model—or even a non-polluting car or zero emission vehicle. Hybrids may cost a little more, but they get better gas mileage and have lower emissions.
Check out these sites to identify clean and fuel efficient vehicles in any part of the country:
Factor-in Weather
If you must drive on days with unhealthy air, drive your newest car. Newer cars generally pollute less than older models.
