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The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) issues tips to help drivers to save fuel and steer clear of crashes.

If all drivers followed simple advice, they could save hundreds of pounds a year on fuel bills and businesses could make massive cost savings, Charles Davis, RoSPA Head of Driver and Fleet Solutions, said.

He said sticking to the 'Five S's' would help motorists to conserve fuel and benefit them for years to come.

The Five S's are:

SAFETY - safe unobtrusive driving shows more skill and earns more respect than hard fast driving, which burns fuel and puts others at risk.

SCAN - scanning well ahead and using mirrors helps in spotting hazards and thus avoids rushed reactions and heavy braking.

SMOOTHNESS - smooth driving leads to better fuel economy. Accelerate gently, change to a lower gear to get more efficient pulling power. Avoid heavy or sudden braking. When driving through traffic calming, avoid accelerating between road humps as this can use twice as much fuel.

STYLE - calm, patient, caring, attitude takes the competition out of driving and avoids wasting fuel revving up at traffic lights.

SPEED - reducing speed will save fuel. Even driving one or two mph more slowly will cut petrol bills, while having little effect on journey times

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Five S's

Charles Davis said: "The gentle touch can make a huge difference in terms of conserving fuel. Using the Five S's will help drivers and businesses to save money, reduce the likelihood of accidents and benefit the environment. Well-maintained vehicles with accurate tyre pressures can also reduce fuel consumption."

He also warned drivers to take extra care near petrol stations in case there were queues and to slow down if necessary to avoid sudden braking. He urged people queuing to behave sensibly, to leave plenty of space between their own car and the vehicle in front of them and not to block junctions.

For more information about improving your driving, contact RoSPA on 0121 248 2099 or visit: Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents.

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