lesson 18.1 ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS Drive Right chapter 18 Thursday, June 06, 2019 lesson 18.1 ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS As a driver or owner of a vehicle, you need to know what to do to preserve and protect our environment. The copyright holder has not granted permission to display this photograph in a downloadable format. You may view the photograph in the Drive Right Presentation for this lesson on your Keys to Teaching Success disc. Version 2

Describe how vehicles affect the ozone layer and the environment. OBJECTIVE

Transportation is the largest single source of air pollution. Almost every vehicle that uses gasoline or diesel fuel creates engine exhaust resulting in air pollution. Some vehicle parts and fluids contain substances hazardous to our environment.

The Environment and Vehicles The ozone layer is a section of Earth’s atmosphere that absorbs most of the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Exhaust produces chemicals that deplete the ozone layer, thus reducing Earth’s natural defenses against the sun’s harmful UV rays.

It’s important to maintain your vehicle’s emissions control, especially if it’s an older vehicle. As vehicles age, the amount of pollution they produce typically increases.

CFCs Air conditioners in most motor vehicles manufactured before 1994 use a refrigerant called CFC-12, also known as Freon. Freon attacks and degrades the ability of the ozone layer to absorb harmful UV rays.

On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) Systems A computer-based On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) system provides owners with a diagnostic tool for recognizing malfunctions, and also stores important information about the problems.

Did You Know? Vehicles and the Environment Passenger vehicles account for about 40 percent of U.S. oil consumption and about 20 percent of all CO2 emissions.

Explain how drivers can reduce the effects of driving on the environment. OBJECTIVE

Drivers Can Help Keep up with routine vehicle maintenance. Drive 55 mph instead of 65 mph. Inflate tires properly to improve gas mileage. Repair all vehicle leaks promptly. Fill the gas tank during cooler evening hours. Always be sure to replace the gas cap tightly.

This circle graph shows the means of transportation that Americans took to and from work in 2005. Are you surprised by any of these statistics?

lesson 18.1 review Explain how increasing fuel efficiency can protect the environment. Identify four actions drivers can take to reduce pollution.