Why Eco-Driving Matters: Teaching Learners Fuel-Efficient Techniques

In today’s world, growing environmental concerns and rising fuel costs are some of the most pressing global issues. Adopting Eco-driving techniques is a very effective way of cutting fuel costs and reducing carbon emissions. Teaching drivers to utilize these techniques is the moral as well as professional responsibility of driving instructors. Driving schools are slowly turning towards including eco-driving strategies in their driving lessons.

Similarly, driving instructor courses are also focusing on teaching instructors the importance of educating drivers in Eco-driving. These courses encourage instructors to go beyond the traditional driving education which consists only of road safety and vehicle control and teach new drivers the importance of minimizing their carbon footprint.

Eco-Driving and Driving Instructor Courses

Driving instructors play an important role in promoting environmental awareness and responsibility in drivers. They can teach new drivers to reduce their fuel usage and keep their vehicles well-maintained to improve their performance and minimise environmental impact. Efficient driving can also reduce fuel consumption by almost 25% which means reduced fuel costs.

Moreover, Eco-driving techniques can also increase the lifespan of vehicles by reducing wear and tear. This means less repair and maintenance costs. Hence, teaching new drivers the importance of Eco-driving is not just a necessity but also the moral responsibility of driving instructors. Driving instructor courses should also focus on helping new drivers understand how their driving habits have a direct impact on the environment and why learning eco-driving techniques is crucial for a better future.

Tips to Teach Learners Fuel-Efficient Techniques

Driving instructor courses can teach students how to develop positive and sustainable driving habits. Let us look at some tips to help instructors teach learners an effective fuel-efficient method for driving:

Driving Cautiously:

Sudden acceleration or sudden braking requires the engine to strain and work harder, which means more fuel consumption as well as emissions. Teach the drivers to drive cautiously and accelerate and brake as smoothly as possible.

Driving at a Consistent Speed:

Learner drivers should know how and when to control their speed. Instructors should teach them the importance of maintaining a consistent speed while driving. Driving at a consistent speed reduces fuel usage and is also good for the engine. What’s more, with the latest technology, drivers can also use features like cruise control on highways to avoid speeding accidentally and creating a risky situation.

Avoid Keeping the Vehicle Idle:

When stuck in traffic or waiting for someone on the curb, most drivers tend to leave the car idling instead of switching it off. While it can be tempting to keep the engine running even when you’re idle, drivers should avoid doing so. Idling keeps the engine running, increases fuel usage, and heats the engine without reason. Hence, instructors should always encourage students to avoid unnecessary idling.

Use Gears Properly:

Using proper gear is important not just for driving but also to avoid putting too much strain on the engine. Instructors should teach learners to recognize which gear to use and where. They should teach the students to use the highest gear that is possible to use without straining the engine.

Check Tire Pressure Regularly:

Instructors should teach students the importance of tire pressure and its impact on fuel efficiency when driving. They should help the drivers learn to check proper tire pressure and encourage them to keep the tires properly inflated.

Reduce Use of Air Conditioners:

In any vehicle, using the air conditioner or heater can significantly increase the use of fuel. So, reducing the use of air conditioners can also reduce fuel usage.

Conclusion

It is said that old habits die hard. So, it makes sense to develop good habits that don’t require change. Driving safely and responsibly is also a good habit that all drivers should strive to develop. Teaching eco-driving to new drivers ensures that they develop good and environmentally friendly driving habits like driving at a steady speed, managing acceleration and braking, and using air conditioners economically. By learning and following these techniques, they can create safer, greener roads. Driving schools like the Academy of Road Safety offer driving instructor courses to prepare professional and responsible instructors who encourage their students to consider eco-driving as not just a skill but their responsibility towards the environment and the world.

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