Eco Driving and Railcrossing
- 1/30If planning a journey
Choose routes that reduce congestion, steep hills, and frequent stops to save fuel and time.
When starting the engine
Start the engine only when ready to move and avoid prolonged idling to reduce fuel waste.
To drive smoothly
Apply steady pressure on the accelerator to build speed gradually without harsh acceleration.
If changing gears
Change up promptly to keep engine revs low, which improves fuel efficiency.
When maintaining speed
Avoid unnecessary speed changes and use cruise control when safe to maintain constant speed.
If approaching traffic lights
Anticipate stops by lifting off the accelerator and using engine braking to reduce fuel use.
To reduce drag
Keep the vehicle streamlined by removing unused roof bars, boxes, or external items.
If carrying cargo
Only carry what is necessary and keep weight evenly distributed to improve efficiency.
When using air conditioning
Limit air conditioning use as it increases engine load and fuel consumption.
To maintain tyre performance
Check and adjust tyre pressures regularly to reduce rolling resistance and fuel use.
If driving on motorways
Anticipate gradients and traffic flow to minimise heavy braking and acceleration.
To reduce fuel usage
Keep manoeuvres smooth and predictable to save fuel and reduce wear.
When refuelling
Using high-quality fuel can improve efficiency and engine performance.
If servicing the vehicle
Regular servicing keeps the engine efficient and reduces emissions.
To reduce environmental impact
Higher speeds increase fuel use and emissions — stay within speed limits for efficiency.
If approaching a level crossing
Slow down and be ready to stop if warning lights, alarms, or barriers activate.
When warning lights flash
Red lights mean you must stop and not proceed until they stop flashing.
If barriers are down
Wait until barriers are fully open and lights have stopped before moving.
When queuing near a crossing
Never queue on the crossing — wait until there is space to clear it completely.
If directed by a crossing attendant
Comply with any hand signals or directions given by crossing staff.
When crossing with a trailer
Check that your vehicle and trailer can fully clear the tracks without stopping.
If your vehicle stalls on the crossing
Leave the vehicle, move to safety, and use the posted emergency phone to alert rail authorities.
When using an automatic crossing
Check both directions before crossing, even if no warnings are active.
If crossing on a steep gradient
Select the right gear to avoid stalling and ensure steady progress.
When driving a long vehicle
Ensure there is enough space to avoid blocking the crossing during manoeuvres.
If lights start flashing as you approach
If safe to do so, stop before the crossing — do not try to beat the train.
When visibility is poor
Use extra caution in fog, rain, or darkness and be prepared to stop.
If there is no warning system
At open crossings, check both ways carefully before proceeding.
When crossing multiple tracks
Do not assume another train isn’t coming on a different track.
If transporting hazardous goods
Comply with additional stopping and clearance requirements for dangerous loads.