Toyota’s A Glass of Water Challenge

Toyota are trying to convince us all that by driving as if we had a glass of water on our dashboards and not spilling any we will save money, it will lead to decreased fuel consumption and be better for the planet all round.

Top Gear undertook a similar test a number of years ago by fixing a large water tank to the roof of a car. This soaked the driver if they made any erratic or sudden manoeuvres. Toyota however is not asking people to literally attach glasses of water to their dashboards, as this would be unsafe. They are asking you to drive as if there was one present, to help, they have developed an iPhone app, which is a virtual glass of water that simulates the effect.

They feel that if people drive with greater care, corner less fiercely, pull off and break more gently, they can save as much as 10% on their cars fuel consumption. By giving yourself time to think, not tailgating the car in front and driving slower you will be contributing to reducing emissions into the atmosphere.

While hybrid technology can come part of the way to assisting in cutting down on CO2 emissions, we can all help the environment by driving safer. You start by driving normally and then with the aid of the application alter your driving style to a more considered one by trying not to spill any water. Toyota advises you calculate fuel consumption using the cars onboard computer by noting your mileage completed on a full tank of petrol and comparing the improvements as you progress with the challenge.

More information can be found at: http://www.aglassofwater.org/