Access to real-time traffic can cut emissions by 21%

Access to real-time traffic can cut emissions by 21%
By Megan Treacy
Posted Wed Sep 2, 2009 5:11pm PDT
Related topics: Electronics, Cars More from EcoGeek blog 0

A study done by NAVTEQ, a navigation system data provider, found that using GPS systems with real-time traffic information can save drivers four days a year of driving time and can cut emissions by 21 percent.

NAVTEQ collected data on driving times of three types of drivers in Dusseldorf and Munich, Germany: drivers without in-vehicle navigation, drivers with static navigation and drivers with real-time traffic navigation. In total, the study reflects data from 2,100 individual trips, 2,000 km and 500 hours of driving. The study showed the group with the real-time traffic alerts spent 18 percent less time getting to their destinations than the other two groups.

Over the course of a year, those savings add up to four days of travel time. The study also states that the reduction in distance traveled and increase in fuel efficiency caused by choosing less congested routes would amount to a decrease in emissions of .79 metric tons per driver, or 21 percent per year. They calculate that U.S. drivers would see the same savings as German ones.

Since this study was coordinated by a company that has a heavy interest in GPS sales, it's important to note that you don't need a GPS unit to get real-time traffic information. Many smart phones are equipped with mapping software that gives you the same information and you can always check out your route online before leaving the house.

via Autoblog Green

More studies are needed, of course, by independent companies and with larger, varied populations over longer periods of time.