We continue the MODALES “focus on” interviews with FIA Region I, who led the project’s Awareness Campaign on low-emission driving. The campaign was launched in March 2022 and provides simple tips aimed at drivers to help them reduce their emissions before driving and while driving, and recommendations on car maintenance. Together with its Members Clubs, FIA Region I made this practical advice widely available on social media.
Can you explain the role of FIA in MODALES and the benefit of being part of the project for its Member Clubs?
“FIA Region I leads the MODALES awareness campaign to share low-emission driving tips and encourages professional and private car users to adopt good driving behaviours and maintenance practices. To achieve this objective, FIA Region I is working with Member Clubs, seeking support through their vast network, to reach the Clubs’ members in different countries. Through this initiative, Clubs can reinforce their greener mobility branding and show their active contribution to reducing carbon footprint, heading towards the goals of the EU’s Fit for 55 package. By working closely together with Member Clubs, FIA Region I aims for the campaign to reach as many drivers as possible.”
What does the awareness campaign consist of?
“We developed a set of 10 infographics with driving tips, which were made available in 11 languages to raise awareness in the countries were MODALES has trial sites and beyond. The driving tips to achieve lower emissions are especially aimed at petrol and diesel car drivers and they are divided into three categories: 1 – before driving a vehicle, 2 – while driving, and 3 – simple vehicle maintenance. Each tip is accompanied by an explanation, and all information is accessible on the MODALES campaign page.
With the support of its Member Clubs, MODALES tips reached a wide audience of drivers in Europe and beyond. Member Clubs such as MCF (France), ACI (Italy), ADAC (Germany), ACL (Luxembourg), ÖAMTC (Austria), RACC (Spain), and TCS (Switzerland) actively support the campaign and repeatedly share useful tips via their different social media channels.”
In what other ways did you share the campaign’s tips?
“Outside social media, FIA Region I took the opportunity to share the MODALES tips with novice drivers (18-26-year-olds) from Slovenia, Austria, Poland, Bulgaria, the UK, Spain, Hungary, Bosnia Herzegovina, and the Netherlands at the international final of the Region I Best Young Driver Contest in Madrid, Spain.
By working together with Member Clubs, FIA Region I aims to raise awareness of low-emission driving behaviour and good maintenance practices to reduce pollution and improve air quality. MODALES tips prove to be useful for drivers and we suggest continuing the tips dissemination to road users via FIA Region I’s network of driving schools and events (Best Young Driver Contest and/or Road Patrol Training for Excellence) after the end of the project.”