On cars and the environment

When it comes to driving, popular opinion about being kind to the environment seems to gravitate to the hybrid or electric cars. Personally, I think being kind to the environment begins with all road users. It's not about being seen to be environmentally friendly like the Hollywood set running around showing off in their Toyota Prius and shouting out the the world, "Oh look! I'm doing my bit for the environment!" What people need to forget hypocrisy and to really act to be kind to the environment. This means EVERYONE who uses the road or is involved in the road need to be aware and walk the walk rather than just talk the talk.

Drivers:

1. Drive smoothly - take it easy on the gas pedal and focus on staying at the same speed as traffic
2. Minimize braking - try anticipating in advance rather than brake abruptly and than have to accelerate again to filter into traffic.
3. Observe service intervals - a well-maintained car consumes less fuel and ultimately, minimizes the inconvenience of breakdowns and the subsequent jam it may create.

Pedestrians:

1. Obey traffic rules - do not disrupt traffic by jaywalking or using the road instead of the pedestrian path. When the drivers brake to avoid hitting you, they use more gas to get back to cruising speed and apart from the drivers' pocket, the environment suffers too. You pay the price too.
   
2. Be visible to drivers and one major no-no is to run around in the middle of the night wearing dark clothing.

Government:

1. Traffic lights - my pet peeve. These need to be optimized to ensure minimal waiting time at traffic lights for all. Cars that are idling consume more gas than cars moving along.
   
2. Road works - plan road works to avoid minimal disruption to traffic.

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