Father’s Day: Ford rolls out tips on responsible driving to sustaining environment

Fathers have a great responsibility to ensure they preserve the environment for their children.

This Father’s Day Ford Motor Company, through its forward-thinking approach to environmentally responsible and sustainable manufacturing, would like to offer fathers in Nigeria some good tips.

This advice not only relates to sustaining our environment, but also offers dads the opportunity to travel around Nigeria in style, in vehicles such as the Ford Fusion, EcoSport, Fiesta and Escape.

The following technologies from Ford – as well as greener manufacturing processes that address energy and water usage, waste generation and emissions – will make the world a healthier place for future generations:

2016 Ford Escape Titanium

EcoBoost, Ford’s technologically advanced engine platform ensures lower CO2 emissions and better fuel consumption. It ultimately has a positive effect on the sustainability of our environment without any compromise on engine performance;

The Active Grille Shutter system opens grille slats when extra engine cooling air is required, such as during low-speed stop-and-go driving. Conversely, when cruising on the highway at steady speeds, the grille slats automatically close to improve aerodynamics and fuel efficiency;

EcoMode is a driver-friendly feature designed to analyse how a vehicle is being driven, and then gives the driver tips on how to make each litre of fuel last longer. With the rise in fuel costs, EcoMode will assist drivers in becoming more aware of how their driving styles influence fuel use.

While Ford is doing its best to ensure a sustainable environment by placing greener cars on the road (and using greener manufacturing processes); sustaining the environment is everyone’s responsibility.

Here is how you can make a difference:

On the road

Try to keep the auto-stop function on your car active. This function saves petrol and reduces CO2 emissions. Carbon emissions are grouped under “greenhouse gases” and are directly related to climate change – specifically global warming.

Practice safe and courteous driving. The more aggressively you drive the more fuel you consume. Ford Motor Company’s Driving Skills for Life (DSFL) is a comprehensive responsible driver training programme created by Ford to promote a safe and efficient driving culture among Nigerian drivers. As fuel costs rise and concerns about the environment increase, DSFL teaches drivers how to drive efficiently in order to save fuel and significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions therefore saving money and creating a safer environment.

Keep your litter inside the car and dispose of it responsibly when you get to your destination. Litter is not only unsightly but it can kill plants or stunt their growth, destroy natural areas, and can cause harm to animals and birds.

Avoid throwing cigarette butts out the window, especially near grassy areas that can catch alight and result in fast spreading veld fires and the destruction of animals, trees and natural vegetation.

Off-road

Venturing off-road comes with huge responsibility. By heading off the beaten track you have the potential to damage the surrounding environment, including flora and fauna.

The rule for off-road driving is to tackle each surface as slowly as possible, and as fast as necessary. Driving over an obstacle slowly minimises the vehicle’s impact on the terrain, and ensures that there is a reduced risk of damage to the vehicle and occupants. Certain terrains, such as mud and soft sand, do require a bit of momentum and an extra dose of speed may be required in order to get through. Use only as much speed as is necessary however, and always be mindful of what is on the other side. Keep an eye out for nesting birds or animals in the grass. It is always advisable to check what is on the other side before venturing over a difficult patch.

In a 4×4 vehicle, such as a Ford Ranger, it is advisable to engage four-wheel drive high-range as soon as you leave the tarmac. This ensures even power distribution between the front and rear wheels, improved grip on slippery surfaces, greater driving safety and reduced environmental impact as the wheels are not spinning freely and digging unnatural trenches into the soil. These trenches add to corrosion and potential soil erosion when it rains. (Remember to disengage 4WD when returning to the road).

For rough off-road terrain, engage low-range 4×4 mode. This reduces the vehicle’s speed, allows more torque transfer to the drive wheels and gives greater control, reducing the risk of scraping away soil and stones on the route. Careful modulation of the accelerator will avoid excessive wheel spin and damage to the surface of the terrain.

Deflate tyres when on softer surfaces, such as loose sand. This will increase the contact area with the sand and assist with flotation, which means that the tyre will ride on top of the sand instead of digging down into it and possibly getting stuck. Deep tracks make soil erosion more likely when the area experiences heavy rains.

Always drive on established tracks.

Never create new routes or tracks as this damages the sensitive ecology of the environment you are exploring.