Eco-driving refers to driving behaviors that improve vehicle efficiency. For internal combustion vehicles, that means driving in a way that prioritizes higher miles per gallon.
Many people do this without thinking about it: Using cruise control on long trips, keeping tires properly inflated, using a vehicle’s stop-start feature, and driving the speed limit can all net higher miles per gallon. Even your vehicle’s built-in miles per gallon calculator and dashboard eco-score features in newer vehicles are subtle encouragements to drive efficiently.
The miles per gallon maxing game works in electric vehicles, too. Changing your habits to maximize how far you can go on a charge means fewer stops at a public charging station on a longer trip.
Long haul freight trucks use technology like trailer skirts mounted on the lower edge of their trailer to reduce aerodynamic drag and improve fuel efficiency. In-cab data can encourage fuel efficient driving.
No matter what kind of vehicle you drive, using it in an efficient way will save you money and produce less greenhouse gas emissions.
Eco-driving: emissions reduction vision
Current statewide speed limits will continue to optimize fuel efficiency, especially for long-haul freight trucks.
By 2050, approximately 70% of vehicles on Oregon’s roads will have technology that helps drivers practice fuel efficient driving.
The Oregon Department of Transportation will continue to improve and expand programs to keep trucks moving, like the agency’s Weigh-in-Motion Green Light program that allows trucks to avoid stopping at weigh stations.
State government will encourage industry partners to reduce idling by diesel freight trucks at ports, terminals and truck stops.
State government will encourage and incentivize long-haul freight trucks to use bolt-on equipment to improve their fuel efficiency.
How Oregon is doing
Eco-driving is a personal choice for drivers. Actions from private industry and government can help move drivers in an eco-friendly direction, but there are many factors outside their control that influence driver behavior, like gas prices and other market forces.
Private industry actions
Car manufacturers have helped encourage eco-driving in newer vehicles with technology that gives drivers direct feedback on their driving efficiency. For example, some vehicles provide an “eco score” and other real-time data that makes eco-driving more engaging.
Stop-start systems, which shut off the engine after short periods of idling, are increasingly common in newer vehicles. Although recent US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) changes have stopped incentivizing automakers to include these systems in new cars.
For long-haul freight trucks, some private companies use in-cab data solutions and bolt-on aerodynamic modifications that can improve a truck’s fuel efficiency.
State government actions
Oregon law limits commercial engine idling to less than five minutes. This helps save on fuel costs and limits local air pollution.
Oregon keeps speed limits low on highways through urban areas for safety. Emissions per mile increase rapidly at speeds above 60 mph, especially for long haul freight trucks, so lower speeds limits are safer for travelers and better for air quality.
ODOT also allows long-haul freight truck drivers to save fuel and time by participating in the Weigh-in-Motion Green Light program. The program allows their trucks to be weighed on the move and avoid having to stop, which reduces emissions and delays.
ODOT encourages long-haul freight truck rest area parking near dense urban freight routes, large distribution hubs, and major highway intersections. Making sure these areas have enough room for trucks, and updating truck drivers in real-time about available parking, helps them avoid driving extra miles to find overnight parking. In 2024 ODOT was awarded federal grant funds to deploy real-time truck parking information at truck parking areas along I-5.
How Oregon can improve
ODOT can continue to evaluate and update speed limits throughout the state to encourage efficient speeds that save on fuel.
The state can also expand education programs that raise awareness about the benefits of eco-driving. Partnerships with industry groups could help carry eco-driving messages to drivers of all vehicle types.
Private fleets could invest in eco-drive systems, such as in-cab data and bolt-on aerodynamic technology to help freight vehicles with rising fuel costs.
Finally, properly pricing the transportation system can incentivize people to drive more efficiently. (See the Pricing, Funding and Markets page for more information)