Motorists are changing their driving habits to look after the environment.

This is the conclusion of new research from The Green Insurer.

Turning around

Over the past 12 months, half of all motorists surveyed (50%) claim they have cut down on the number of miles they drive each month.

Of these,  22% say they have “substantially” reduced their mileage.

Just 8% say their average monthly mileage has increased.

Other modifications implemented by motorists over the last year include driving more slowly. This is both to reduce fuel consumption for financial and environmental reasons.

On average many say they have managed to save fuel – 24% of motorists.

Other state they have made more use of cruise control function on their vehicle to save fuel (12%).

Accepting lifts from other drivers or colleagues, some have cut their own car use (9%).

Meanwhile, others use a speed limiter on their vehicle to save fuel (7%), while some have switchted over to a hybrid car (6%).

 

Changing driving habits

Reduced average monthly mileage 50%
Took action to drive more carefully to preserve fuel 31%
Took action to drive more slowly to preserve fuel 24%
Made use of cruise control function to save fuel 12%
Accepted lifts from other drivers to reduce own driving 9%
Switched to a smaller / lower emission vehicle 8%
Used a speed limiter on vehicle to save fuel 7%
Switched to a hybrid car 6%
Switched to an electric car 4%

 

Going green

The findings also reveal that these changes in driving habits are being propelled by concerns about the environment.

Alongside this, the increased cost of living (76%) is cited as a major reason behind people adapting their behaviour.

Three in five motorists (61%) state they have made changes to their driving habits in order to help the environment.

Meanwhile, 50% saw the change as part of a general switch to becoming more environmentally friendly. Furthermore, 48% wanted to reduce carbon emissions and pollution.

Other reasons given included walking or cycling more to improve fitness (40%) and being pressured into being more environmentally friendly by their children (7%).

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Need for change

Over half (53%) of all drivers say they are now more aware of the impact that their driving has on the environment than they were a year ago.

This explains why motorists are also becoming more selective about the types of journeys they make in their cars.

People say (12%) they are much less likely to drive into their nearest town or city, choosing alternatives such as public transport instead.  A further 19% say they are slightly less likely to use their car to make such a journey.

The research suggests that the adoption of new, more environmentally friendly practices by motorists are here to stay.

Three in four people (76%) describe the changes in their driving habits as being long-lasting.

Only 8% said any adjustments they had made in the last 12 months were temporary measures.

Turning the world around

“In response to escalating concerns about environmental sustainability, people’s driving habits are undergoing a transformative shift,” states Paul Baxter, CEO, The Green Insurer.

While people are cutting personal environmental impacts, it “also signify a broader cultural change” says Baxter. It comes as “people look to prioritise eco-friendly practices into their lifestyle and purchasing choices”.