Smooth operators cut fuel bills by 15%
Motorists could cut fuel bills by up to 15% by adopting a smoother driver style, according to road-safety organisation GEM Motoring Assist.
For a driver covering 8,000 miles a year, cutting fuel use by 10% could save around £145 a year, while a 15% reduction could mean savings of more than £200.
It says that maintaining steady speeds, leaving more space and avoiding sharp acceleration or heavy braking can result in not just greater fuel efficiency but also improved safety on the roads.
The latest road casualty figures underline the need for renewed action. In 2025, 29,918 people were killed or seriously injured in reported collisions on Great Britain’s roads, a four per cent increase on the previous year.
James Luckhurst, head of road safety at GEM Motoring Assist, said: “Fuel prices are unlikely to offer drivers much relief in the near future, but there is a practical action everyone can take today: drive more smoothly.
“Ease away from traffic lights, anticipate what is happening well ahead and give the vehicle in front a proper gap. You will brake less, accelerate less and use less fuel. Just as important, you will have more time to spot a developing hazard and avoid a last-second reaction.
“Good eco-driving is not about crawling along or holding other people up. It is about being calm, observant and in control. Those are qualities that save money and lives.”
GEM tips:
- check tyre pressures
- remove unnecessary weight
- plan ahead
- keep a safe following distance
- use the highest suitable gear without labouring the engine
- aim for smooth, progressive steering, acceleration and braking.
