Help the Environment and Save Money

In celebration of Earth Day many businesses and citizens are taking a closer look at what we can do to help our environment.

One thing that we can all agree is that idling your car or truck has a negative impact on your health and wallet. Although most people realize that engine exhaust decreases outdoor air quality, they probably do not realize that an idling engine actually releases more harmful emissions than an engine does during driving! The reason for this is that engines are engineered to run most efficiently at a high temperature. Because an idling engine runs at a lower temperature, it does not fully combust all of the fuel that is injected into the combustion chamber. The result of this is that even more dangerous, complex chemical compounds are released into the air. Green Calgary.

When you consider that one hour of idling equals one gallon of gas used, it’s easy to see how reduced idling leads to less fuel wasted and more money in your pocket. Many business owners have begun to use GPS fleet tracking as means to reduce idling. By creating incentives for their drivers to reduce or eliminate idle time they are encouraging positive behavior from all of their fleet drivers. Millions of gallons of gas could be saved by just reducing idling time by just 10%.

Many states and local communities have begun to institute large fines for idling vehicles. Most states and large cities have anti-idling laws in place. Fines can be as high as $1,000 for the 1st offense and up to $25,000 for multiple offenses. States and cities are taking this subject very seriously and are cracking down on offenders.

Drivers must be aware of the dangers of idling not only for the health of the community but a persons wallet or businesses bottom line. The Earth and your wallet will thank you for it.

Robert Drucker is the owner of Boston Global Tracking. His company helps business owners across the country eliminate the “pain” incurred in trying to manage their fleet.