Eco-driving is the way ahead for New Year
Learner drivers will from 2009 be tested on their ability to save gasoline, increase safety and reduce emissions by practicing fuel efficiency, or eco-driving, Transport Ministry sources revealed yesterday. Driving test candidates will be asked during their theory and practical examinations to show that they are able to adopt the techniques that could lead to fuel savings of between 10 and 25 percent and a reduction of accidents of up to 20 percent. If 5 percent less car fuel is used in Greece each year, some 250 million euros will be saved and 500,000 tons of carbon dioxide less will be emitted. Among the skills that candidates will be tested on are the ability to drive calmly, as sudden accelerating and braking use up much more fuel. Eco-driving is already widely practiced in other countries such as Britain and the Netherlands.
