Five “Golden Rules” of Ecodriving Refined

Publication date: 14 July 2011

Eco-driving is on the environmental agenda of most governments and international institutions, but few road users today have actually ever received eco-driving training. In most countries, being familiar with the principles of eco-driving is simply not a requisite to obtain a driving license.

The ECOWILL project (Eco-driving Wide-spread Implementation for Learners and Licensed Drivers) aims at rolling-out short eco-driving training courses for motorists on a large scale throughout Europe. As a first step, the ECOWILL partners, of which FIA is one, have recently revised and defined a short and simple list of “golden-rules” for eco-driving.

The rules are meant as a set of simple tips that are valid and applicable in all countries and for all drivers. Trying to follow the golden rules is no substitute for attending an eco-driving training course delivered by a qualified driving instructor, but it is a good starter if one wants to adopt a fuel-efficient, smart and relaxed driving style that does not cause any loss of time.

The five golden rules include:

• Anticipating the traffic flow;
• Maintaining a steady speed at low RPM;
• Shifting gears up early;
• Checking tyre pressure regularly, and;
• Refraining from using extra energy by using air conditioning and other electrical equipment wisely.

For a more in-depth explanation of these “golden rules”, and also a set of additional “silver rules” and tips, please visit the ECOWILL website: http://www.ecodrive.org/en/what_is_ecodriving-/the_golden_rules_of_ecodriving/