How can dropping off the kids at soccer practice, running by the bank, and picking up dinner contribute to cleaner air? Trip chaining—combining errands into one sensible trip—is just one of the many simple things you can do to help improve air quality and reduce traffic congestion in your community.

You probably know that ozone caused by vehicles contributes to air pollution. But you may not know that a small change in the choices we make can have a big impact. For example, a well-maintained vehicle produces 20% less ozone-related emissions, saves money on gas, and means less traffic congestion due to breakdowns! In addition, properly inflating your tires can save you up to 18 gallons of gas per year. Carpooling, using transit, walking or bicycling—just one day a week for a year—can save the typical commuter about 1,200 miles on their vehicle and about $455 in total driving costs. The savings could really add up!

In 2002, congestion cost U.S. travelers 3.5 billion hours of delay and 5.7 billion gallons of wasted fuel, which was worth $63.2 billion! Between 1982 and 2002, the time penalty for traveling during peak periods jumped from 16 to 46 hours per year and the period of time travelers might experience congestion increased from 4.5 to 7.1 hours per day.      

10 Simple Steps to Improving Air Quality

1. Trip chain more often. It's easy! Chances are, you're already doing it -- combining your errands into one trip. It helps you get things done and it helps reduce traffic congestion and air pollution. When you first start a car after it's been sitting for more than an hour, it pollutes up to five times more than when the engine's warm.
2. Take mass transit, share a ride, or car pool. Even if you do it just once or twice a week, you'll reduce traffic congestion and pollution, and save money. The average driver spends about 56 cents per mile including ownership and maintenance.
3. Have fun! Ride your bike. It's a great way to travel and it can help you and the air get into condition. Vehicles on the road create more than 25% of all air pollution nationwide.
4. Take things in stride. Walk or in-line skate instead of driving. They're easy ways to get exercise and they're easy on the air.
5. Care for your car. Regular maintenance and tune-ups, changing the oil, and checking tire inflation can improve gas mileage, extend your car's life, and increase its resale value. It can also reduce traffic congestion due to preventable breakdowns and it could reduce your car's emissions by more than half.
6. Get fuel when it's cool. Refueling during cooler periods of the day or in the evening can prevent gas fumes from heating up and creating ozone. And that can help reduce ozone alert days.
7. Don't top off the tank. It releases gas fumes into the air, which cancels the benefits of the pump's anti-pollution devices. So, stopping short of a full tank keeps gas off of you, is safer, and reduces pollution.
8. Telecommute. Work at home sometimes. You'll save time and money, and reduce emissions and traffic congestion.
9. Know before you go. If your area has a travel and transit information network, use it by calling, visiting the web site, or tuning into the cable station. Get travel and transit updates before you leave home and you won't get stuck in a jam.
10. Spread the word. If everyone took just a few of these simple, easy steps, it could make a big difference because-

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