Geared up for smarter driving

York based Energy Saving Trust has worked with students at York College to boost awareness of smarter driving habits amongst young people, with the aim of saving fuel and money.

Over 100 students took part in a ‘smarter driving’ event which involved the Energy Saving Trust combining driving tips with a chance for the students to ride on their unique driving simulator.

The event was prompted by the outcome of a recent survey, commissioned by Energyrethinking.org and supported by the Energy Saving Trust, which reveals that young drivers aged 17-24 are concerned about their impact on the environment but lack the knowledge to drive in a way that saves money and fuel.

The survey of 3,000 British motorists’ attitudes towards the environment and driving habits reveals that only 50% of starter drivers (aged 17-24) know how fuel efficient their cars are, compared with 70% of established drivers aged 45 or above.

Sophie Smith, Transport Coordinator at the Advice Centre, said: “This event gave students a chance to challenge the results of the survey and practice the smarter driving techniques regularly practiced by older drivers. Of course, we want to promote public transport, walking and cycling first but we know that this isn’t always possible. Smarter driving can save around £250 a year on fuel.”