TxDOT kicks off eighth 'Drive Clean' campaign

The Texas Department of Transportation is kicking off its eighth year of the Drive Clean Across Texas campaign by encouraging people to use different methods of conserving air quality in the state.

Val Lopez, a spokesman for TxDOT, said the campaign seeks to alert Texas drivers to air pollution and give them ways to help combat the problem.

"Really, the things they can do are pretty straightforward and pretty simple," he said. "In some parts of Texas, cars and trucks make up for half the air pollution in the air. So if we can reduce that, we can make for a healthier environment we can share in."

As a way to encourage participation in the campaign, the department is even offering a Ford Fusion Hybrid to the winner of a contest at the campaign's website.

Lopez said although some people choose to buy a more fuel-efficient vehicle when contributing to helping the environment, steps that are much less costly and radical can be taken to help improve the air quality in the region.

Driving the speed limit, going inside restaurants instead of idling in the drive-thrus and doing routine maintenance are just some of the ways people can help better the air quality in Texas, he said.

TxDOT also gives some other tips for maintaining the air quality:

1. Keep your vehicle in top shape

Proper and timely maintenance of your car or truck will conserve fuel and reduce emissions. A poorly maintained vehicle can release 10 times the emissions of one in good condition.

· Keep your car or truck engine well-maintained to lower exhaust emissions.

· Keep your tires properly inflated.

· Regularly change air and fuel filters and service air conditioning.

· Seal your gas cap tightly, refuel during late afternoon or evening, and don't top off the tank.

· Lighten your load by removing roof racks and emptying your trunk of unnecessary weight.

2. Drive less

Reducing the number of vehicles on the road, especially during peak periods, results in less traffic and less exhaust.

· Combine your errands into only one trip.

· Carpool, vanpool or ride public transit.

· Work an alternative/flex-time work schedule so you don't have to drive in congestion.

· Become a telecommuter or start a telecommuting program.

· Take a bicycle or walk when at all possible; it is good for your health.

3. Buy a cleaner vehicle

Help make the air healthier for yourself and others by purchasing a fuel-efficient or low-emission vehicle such as a new, hybrid-electric car. For information, visit www.fueleconomy.gov.

If your car or truck is at least 10 years old, or if it has failed an emissions test, you may qualify for up to $3,500 toward replacing your vehicle through TCEQ's Drive a Clean Machine program. Call 1-800-913-3321 for information. Or, enter for a chance to win a new hybrid vehicle at www.DriveCleanAcrossTexas.org.

4. Drive the speed limit

At high speeds you'll burn more fuel per mile driven, thus creating more harmful pollutants in the air. It is safer to drive the speed limit, too.

· Accelerate and decelerate slowly and smoothly.

· Anticipate stops and coast to a stop gradually.

5. Reduce idling

Idling wastes gas. In fact, turning off the car and starting it again uses less gas than idling for 30 seconds or more.

· Park and go inside rather than using the drive-thru at the bank or fast food restaurant.

· Anticipate delays and take an alternative route to avoid stop-and-go or stand-still traffic - or travel earlier or later when congestion is less.

· After starting the engine, do not warm it up; modern engines do not need it.

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