Often we read about the most fuel-efficient cars, the government’s attempts to get us to buy cars that get good mileage, and modifications we can make to our cars to help them run more efficiently. Recently, however, I began to wonder, is my driving partly to blame for my gas bill? The reason I began thinking along these lines is because I recently rented a U-Haul to move my family across the country and on the dashboard was a little “Keep It In The Green” gauge that measured fuel economy. This was simply a little hand that moved from the green (good mileage) to the red (not-so-good mileage) when I revved the motor, drove too fast, or went up hill.

So, without buying new cars or making expensive modifications to our existing cars, what can we do to stay “in the green” and cut our driving costs? Try these ideas out the next time you get behind the wheel:

• Accelerate slowly and smoothly – “jack-rabbit” starts and hard braking increase fuel consumption by as much as 40%.

• Drive the speed limit – Excessive speeds can lower gas consumption by 10-15% for every 10 miles faster you drive.

• Avoid idling your car for more than one minute. Idling gets you nowhere but a trip back to the gas station.

• If you have a standard transmission, choose the right gear.

• Use the cruise control to avoid unnecessary speed changes and fuel consumption.

• Plan your trip to avoid backtracking.

• Finally, make a commitment to drive less. Approximately 50% of all car use is for trips within 3 miles of home. Just think, you can save on gas – and gym memberships!