Green driving could not only help the environment but also save drivers up to £100 each year in wasted fuel.

New RAC research shows that motorists who choose not to adopt ‘eco-driving’ contribute to a £2.2 billion wasted fuel bill each year.

The research shows that British motorists drive over five billion miles each year while lost.

In addition 60% of drivers aren’t aware that changing gear when revs are high can reduce fuel consumption, and 40% think that driving under 45mph always saves fuel.

A further 9% admit to checking their tyre pressure less than once a year, with 77% saying they are not aware that under-inflated tyres increase fuel consumption.

The RAC findings also show that drivers are not sure which driving practices can save fuel:

• A tenth wrongly believe that braking regularly will reduce fuel consumption
• Nearly a sixth incorrectly think warming the engine up before moving off reduces fuel used
• Over a quarter aren’t aware that switching off air conditioning significantly reduces fuel used

David Bizley, RAC’s technical director said: “With fuel prices at a record high, adopting eco driving techniques is an easy way to reduce fuel consumption.”

RAC has come up with the following hints and tips to help improve fuel efficiency and reduce cars’ impact on the environment:

1) Pump up to cut down: under inflated tyres create more resistance when your car is moving, which means engines have to work harder, so more fuel is used and more CO2 emissions are produced (the owner handbook will advise the correct pressure)

2) Less clutter means less CO2: clutter in boots add weight and engines must work harder to transport it, so removing it can the engine's workload and cut CO2 emissions (also remove roof boxes or rails when not in use the drag caused increases fuel consumption )

3) Driving at an appropriate speed reduces CO2: not only does staying at or within the speed limit increase driver safety, it also reduces CO2 emissions and saves money on fuel costs

4) Less stopping and starting means less CO2: anticipating traffic flow will reduce fuel consumption

5) Over-revving accelerates emissions: modern car engines are designed to be efficient from the moment they are switched on, so revving up like a Formula 1 car in pole position while standing still only wastes fuel and increases engine wear

6) Idling is wasting fuel: if you're likely to be at a standstill for more than three minutes, simply switch off the engine.

7) Shop around: Use a fuel comparison website to find the best priced fuel in your region
8) Don’t get lost: don’t waste fuel by going the wrong way – plan route before leaving with RAC Route Planner.