Ozone and Your Driving Habits

You know that ground-level ozone is bad. Air quality is so unhealthy sometimes that some people are warned to limit outside activities during days when ozone levels are high. Our behavior creates ozone air pollution and it’s not going away by itself. This is a battle that can be won or lost by individual choices made every day. There are a lot of ways for you to be on the winning side. You can make a difference.

There are many sources of air pollution, with the largest contributor varying from region to region. One thing is certain, however: cars contribute huge amounts of pollution wherever you live. Keep this in mind every time you turn the key in the ignition. Ask yourself whether you have to drive. Could you carpool, walk, bicycle or use the bus? During the summer smog season, less driving means less ground-level ozone air pollution and that’s good for everyone. If you have to drive, reduce the amount of pollution your car generates. Keep your car tuned; make sure the tires are properly inflated; and fill up the gas tank in the evening when it’s cooler.

Groundlevel ozone is not a small problem, but small steps will improve it.
Learn more:
   •   Research the air quality in your neighborhood through your state or local air pollution control agency
               www.epa.gov/airnow
   •   Monitor ozone forecasts for Lucas and Wood counties at www.ozoneaction.org
   •   Find out what your local governments are doing about the problem at www.tmacog.org.