Drive Clean Across Texas Aims to Keep the Air Clean, Save Gas While Offering Chance to Win Hybrid Car

Statewide campaign offers helpful tips for keeping air clean, saving money

AUSTIN - Summer in Texas not only means road trips and vacations, but also soaring temperatures and an increase in ozone pollution levels. To help motorists save money and keep the air clean, the Texas Department of Transportation and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality are launching this year’s Drive Clean Across Texas campaign. The campaign offers gas-saving tips for motorists and a chance to win a 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid.

“Harmful, ground-level ozone is formed when chemicals found in vehicle exhaust and other sources combine with sunlight and heat,” said Margo Richards, TxDOT Travel Information Division director. “The good news is that all drivers can make a difference in our air quality. Simple steps such as checking your tire pressure and getting your car tuned up on schedule can reduce tailpipe emissions, improve fuel economy and save drivers money at the pump.”

If you keep the correct pressure in your tires, you can help keep the air clean and save about $85 a year in gas. Drive Clean Across Texas also warns that driving a car in need of maintenance can add $120 to annual gas spending.

For more tips on keeping the air clean and saving money on gas, visit the Drive Clean Across Texas website at drivecleanacrosstexas.org. Visitors also can register online for a chance to win a low-emission, gas-saving Ford Fusion Hybrid car sponsored by the Dallas Cowboys. The deadline for entering is Sept. 15, 2013. The winner will be announced at Cowboys Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 6.

For more information, contact TxDOT Media Relations at MediaRelations@txdot.gov or (512) 463-8700.