HOUSTON -- American drivers are willing to change their driving habits to conserve fuel but don;t know how to do it, according to a new survey.
The American love affair with cars has not changed driver views about fuel efficiency, according to a new survey.
For years, American car culture has influenced U.S. motorist behavior, affecting everything from what we drive to how we drive and maintain our vehicles.
A total of 63 percent of drivers indicate a willingness to change their driving behaviors to be more fuel efficient.
One in three U.S. drivers say they don't know how to drive more efficiently.
The survey says Americans care about using energy resources wisely, understand the importance of fuel efficiency and want to learn more about how to save fuel.
The survey was taken in March among 1,591 drivers. The results include:
- Americans are more concerned about energy waste compared to other countries surveyed.<.
- Half of US drivers bothered by people wasting energy and 54 percent seeing it as a waste of resources beyond just money.
- U.S. drivers recognize the positive impact of fuel efficiency both financially and out of respect for the planet's resources.
- A total of 77 percent say being fuel efficient is an important way for them to personally use resources in a more sustainable way.
- A total of 86 percent see it as important for saving money.
The survey also revealed some surprises:
- When it comes to maintenance behaviors, the survey showed that while most US drivers take care of their vehicles' basic needs, they could do more to be fuel efficient.
- Half of the people surveyed keep items in the trunk of their vehicles, with 23 percent using it as a permanent storage space.
- Many drivers do not service their vehicle properly, with 40 percent missing maintenance checks.
- One in 10 do not get regular maintenance for their vehicles.
