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Some simple, but ingenious tips
with big effects:

More driving fun and a great experience
- clever mobility
- sophisticated driving style


Better fuel economy
- less fuel expenses
- higher mileage per liter


Lower environmental impact
- less emissions into the air
- saving of natural resources


More safety in traffic
- expanded scope of action
- less stress

 

Tip #5: `Road Surfing`: Foresighted and relaxed floating with the traffic by using the car´s.momentum...

Anticipating traffic situations & using the vehicle's momentum

Actions:
· Keep sufficient distance between you and the vehicle ahead
· Change lanes early when you have detected a traffic obstruction and thereby avoid hectic acceleration-braking-acceleration sequences
· Move constantly by consciously managing speed and space - 'flow with the traffic'
· Make best use of the vehicle's momentum by lifting your foot from the accelerator pedal well before you intend to brake. But be safe: While using the car´s momentum, watch your speed to avoid becoming faster 'automatically' and never coast downhill in neutral but use the engine as a brake by selecting the appropriate gear.

Benefits:
· More time for decision-making/ expanded scope of action
· Less stress while driving
· More safety
· Better fuel efficiency

"Action instead of Reaction"
By anticipating critical traffic situations, you can reduce the need to brake quickly and drive in a more relaxed, economic and much safer way. Activities such as eating, drinking and talking (especially on mobile phones) reduce your concentration and distract you from quickly changing traffic situations.

Following too closely to the vehicle ahead reduces your ability to react and creates driving stress. Keep an appropriate and safe distance between you and the vehicle ahead of about three seconds driving time or approximately 40 meters at 50 kph/30 mph. By consciously watching and anticipating changing traffic situations, you substantially increase your ability to avoid accident and injury. Driving at a constant speed and avoiding rapid sequences of braking and acceleration creates a much more relaxed driving experience. Driving in this way also becomes more economic, safer and reduces environmental impacts.

"Flow with the traffic"
Accelerating a vehicle requires much more fuel than driving at a constant speed. Whenever you brake, your car loses kinetic energy. Smart drivers therefore avoid unnecessary acceleration and subsequent braking (no cyclist would accelerate when approaching a red traffic light!) and thus reduce the money that flows from their wallet to their fuel tank. Even when you remove your foot from the accelerator pedal, your vehicle's momentum will keep it moving at almost the same speed for a substantial distance. So keep moving where possible, rather than repeatedly slowing down and accelerating.

Use your car´s momentum, especially:
· when approaching traffic lights, that are showing red or might turn red, before you can pass
· at 'stop'- or 'give-way'-signs
· in 'stop-and-go' traffic (accelerating shortly and letting the car roll)

The driving stress from overcrowded roads, constructions sites, the aggressive driving style of others or time pressures can be counterbalanced by a more continuous way of driving. By 'flowing with the traffic', you will reach your destination more relaxed and more safely - and not any later.