Experience on-the-road savings

With gas prices at all-time highs, your organization's traveling reps are in for a costlier summer sales season. Take a cue from a cost-conscious hospitality provider that's helping its guests stretch their travel dollars.

"We have developed a money-saving 'Road Warrior' program offering tips and discounts specifically designed for travelers who spend a great deal of time on the road," says Linda Williams director of marketing for Buckhead America, owner of Country Hearth Inns.

Pass these cost-saving fuel efficiency tips along to your sales staff to help them get the most bang for their buck:

• Buy gas in the morning or at night. Gas becomes dense at cooler temperatures, and you'll get more for your money.

• Check tire pressure monthly. Under-inflated tires reduced fuel efficiency by 2 percent for every pound they were under.

• Drive at 55 miles per hour on highways. You'll use 20 percent more fuel at 70 mph than at 55 mph. Use cruise control to maintain a consistent speed and increase fuel economy.

• Avoid dirt or gravel roads, which use up 30 percent more fuel.

• Turn off the air-conditioning, which reduces fuel economy 10 percent to 20 percent, whenever possible.

• Keep windows shut at high speeds to avoid reducing fuel efficiency by 10 percent.

• Don't let your car idle. It's less costly to turn the motor off than to let it idle more than 45 seconds.

• Remove unnecessary items from inside your car. Excess weight reduces fuel efficiency.

• Drive smoothly, accelerating and breaking gently. Sudden stops or speed bursts consume more fuel. Also, accelerate before you reach a hill, and avoid stop-and-go driving during rush hour to save fuel.