Drive wisely and help keep our air clean

How many of us understand that our personal transportation choices have a huge impact on air quality? How many of us understand what we drive and how we drive impacts the environment? How many of us know that motor vehicles give off more than half of all carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon emissions in our main cities and these emissions, including microscopic particles, can contribute to long-term damage to the immune, neurological, reproductive, and respiratory systems. In extreme cases, it can even cause death.

Vehicle emission is the major contributor for the fast deteriorating ambient air quality of urban and sub-urban Sri Lanka, which has an adverse impact on human health, eco systems and physical structures.

Emission of poisonous gases by motor vehicles in Sri Lanka is far more excessive of the parameters set out by the World Health Organisation and the Central Environmental Authority.

Did you know that 99.4 per cent of all pollutant gases are invisible? Your car releases emissions even when it's standing still. Fumes from petrol and lubricants evaporate into the air.

The total number of motorized vehicles in Sri Lanka is growing rapidly. With regard to driving patterns and average speeds, many existing roads have already reached their maximum capacity and are saturated during long periods of each day. Vehicle maintenance also seems to be poor as reflected in the high failure rate in the existing, relatively lenient regulations. This will result in more frequent and severe air quality peaks in localized areas.

Dr. Jayanatha Liyanage- an expert in the field - lists the Action Plan envisaged to improve the air quality in Colombo city. The initial concentration in Colombo is justified because 60% of all vehicles registered in the island are operated in Colombo Metropolitan Region.

He believes that we should urgently develop a comprehensive Traffic Management Plan taking into consideration of synchronisation of traffic lights and uniflow road system on selected roads. In addition, we should also improve Junctions Geometry. Above all, if any plan is to be worked out right, strict enforcement of Traffic Regulations should be the critical factor.

On long term basis, he recommends, proper road maintenance and Computer Based Traffic Management System.

But, until Dr. Liyanage's suggestions are put into operation and/or new technology introduced, there are simple steps you can take to make sure your vehicle's emission levels are as low as possible. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency suggests three easy things you can do to help keep emissions as low as possible are:

Avoid unnecessary driving

Maintain your car properly

Drive your car wisely

By combining these strategies, you can very effectively reduce the amount your car pollutes. And there are additional benefits - your car will last longer and you will save money.

1. Avoid unnecessary driving

The most effective way to reduce emissions from your vehicle is to use it less. By planning errands, you will get the most out of time you do spend behind the wheel. For example, call ahead to confirm that the product you need is in stock before you drive to the store. Plan to do several tasks when you go somewhere.

Drive to a central location and park. Then walk between nearby destinations. Try pairing up for trips to work or to social events - even an occasional carpool or ride on public transportation will make a difference.

2. Maintain your car properly

Every car has some items that need to be checked on a regular basis and others that need to be replaced periodically. These include the air filter, vacuum and coolant hoses, oil, oil filter, fluids, belts, and so on. It's also important to keep the tyres inflated to the recommended pressure. This will minimize tire wear and help your car get the best possible fuel economy.

Also, be aware that pollution will increase dramatically if you tamper with your car's emission control system. Any tampering with this system will not only drastically increase emissions but is likely to have a negative effect on vehicle performance and durability.

3. Drive intelligently

Even a perfectly maintained car will pollute more than necessary if it is driven carelessly. Your car's emissions will be lower if you apply common sense to your driving and follow basic rules of the road.

Remember - most of our schools are located by roadsides making school children more vulnerable to health hazards of polluted air. At least, for their sake we must build up enough willpower and commitment to adjust our transportation modes and methods to help reduce air pollution.