Further to hybrid technology and plug-in hybrid vehicles, Toyota have come up with a new initiative that they say could help drivers cut their fuel consumption by 10%. The trick? To imagine driving with a glass of water on your dashboard.

The Glass of Water challenge is for anyone looking to become a more economical and eco-friendly driver, and aims to challenge and change people’s driving behaviour. Toyota stress that motorists should not actually put a glass of water on their dashboard due to safety risks, but to apply the prinicples of driving with one. There is also the option of downloading the iPhone app.

The Glass of Water application uses the iPhone hardware to measure external forces and simulates the effect they would have on a glass of water. A virtual glass of water on the screen shows the driver how much water they have spilled. They can then go on the Glass of Water website to analyse their results. Participants are told to drive normally the first time so that their progress can then be monitored. Popular challenges include the Back Seat Driver Challenge, the Caravan Challenge and the Ecodriver Challenge, for those who already think their fuel consumption is low enough.

The key to keeping the glass full is to keep steady. Motorists should start by accelerating slowly and smoothly, leave a good amount of distance between them and the vehicle ahead, and brake gently. Other tips to help lower fuel consumption are to avoid short trips, switch the engine off for stops longer than 30 seconds, consider pushing or rolling the car to start it, look ahead and anticipate while driving to avoid heavy braking, and Toyota even suggest that people listen to slow music while driving to relax them.