During the summer of 2008, gas prices across the nation rose to an all-time high. As gas prices soared, more and more American’s began utilizing various techniques to maximize their fuel economy. In response, Southeast Toyota Distributors developed a program, Drive Smart, that helps educate consumers on these techniques and offers an open forum for consumers to share and voice their opinions and ideas on how they are maximizing their fuel economy.

In Europe, gas prices are usually more than twice as much as they are in the United States. Eco-driving, as it is called in Europe, utilizes techniques, such as avoiding jack-rabbit starts, idling and unnecessary braking, in order to save fuel. As the U.S. economy attempts to regain its momentum and gas prices continue to fluctuate, consumers are doing what they can to save wherever they can.

Drive Smart is a program that utilizes the online social networking site, Facebook.com, to engage and foster interaction among consumers. The Drive Smart Facebook page not only offers tips to help consumers maximize their fuel economy, but also provides engaging videos to help further illustrate these tips. In addition, the site features polls, questionnaires and discussion boards to help promote interaction among the online community.