Eco-Safe Driving

Eco-safe driving is a recognised and proven style of driving that can contribute to safer roads and a greener environment¹. Thinking about the type of car and the way you drive is your first step to embracing the principles of eco-safe driving.

Car Choice

Considering carefully your choice of vehicle when buying can have a major safety and environmental impact.

Euro NCAP offers motorists independently assessed information about the safety performance of some of the most popular cars sold by car manufacturers in Europe

Information about your car’s impact on the environment can also be found on the FIA Foundation’s automotive and environmental rating programme EcoTest.

The Act on CO2 Campaign provides some advice about reducing the amount of fuel you burn and responsible car use.

The Vehicle Certification Agency offers an official guide to the fuel consumption and emissions of all new and used cars registered since March 2001 in the UK.

Information on CO2 omissions for all cars registered in the UK since January 1997 is provided by the Society Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

Additional information about greener car choices can be found on Directgov.

Driving Style

Adopting an ‘Eco-Safe’ approach to driving you can help to improve your safety and play your part in reducing fuel consumption and emissions.

Eco Drive Scotland provides motorists with a number of simple changes they can make to improve fuel efficiency and safety, whilst reducing their motoring costs.

Since Autumn 2008, all new drivers taking the driving test are assessed on their knowledge of eco-safe driving and riding techniques. DSA has also produced an Eco-Safe Driving leaflet for all newly qualified drivers.

A number of motorist charities and organisations such IAM, the AA and ETA also provide information about the benefits of being an eco-driver.

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¹Driving Standards Agency 2007. The Official DSA Guide to Driving: The Essential Skills. London: TSO.