Are You Driving Too Much?

When you love your vehicle, you don't have to look for an excuse to plop down in the driver's seat (Subarus are great, we know how you feel). But even the most fuel-efficient vehicles have a negative impact on the environment. Sometimes you can’t avoid driving, but a lot of the miles you’re putting on your vehicle might not be necessary. Driving less can be good for you, the environment, and for your vehicle.

If you work 30 miles away from home, or you want to visit your family in the next state over, or you need to pick up some mulch for your flowerbed, you are going to have to drive. A quick trip to the grocery store or an afternoon at the park, on the other had, doesn't necessarily require that you hop into your car. 

If you're thinking, “I love my Subaru, and I love driving it around town! Why wouldn't I want to drive it around town?” here are a few reasons why might want to drive less.

·         Driving fewer miles means that your Subaru will last longer. Not only will there be less wear and tear on your vehicle, but driving less also means that you're less likely to get into an accident.

·         The odds of you getting into an accident in your driveway are far lower than on the road or in a parking lot. According to the Institute of Highway Safety, 20 percent of all auto accidents happen in parking lots, and accidents commonly occur within 25 miles of a person's home. Your car is much safer in your driveway, and safer yet in your garage.

·         Driving less can also have health benefits. Walking or cycling instead of driving provides great exercise. If you live near your work or your favorite coffee shop, try walking or cycling and enjoy some fresh air and physical activity.

·         Cutting out unnecessary driving saves money on gas. A quick trip to the store may not seem like it requires much fuel, but add time waiting to turn left, or time spent stopped at a red light, and multiply that by the number of quick trips you make in a year, and all that gas adds up.

·         Driving less means also means that you lower your carbon footprint. Again this might not seem significant on a large scale, but every little bit helps.

Here’s a look at the national averages for annual miles per driver according to the Federal Highway Administration:

 Choose to drive less when you can, and you can splurge on great road trips and still stay within the average.