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A-Max Auto aims to fuel Texas emissions reduction via mobile

A-Max Auto Insurance and the Texas Department of Transportation are teaming up to leverage a mobile Web application to show drivers how reducing vehicle emissions can save gas money.

With the Roadcents app, users can access tips for saving money on gas, vehicle maintenance and dealing with accidents. The smartphone-optimized program is part of a state initiative aimed at raising awareness about the benefits of environmentally conscious, safe and cost-effective vehicles on Texas roadways.

"While these features and benefits are broadly available through other apps and opt-in programs, there is value in giving motorists more choices,? said Jeff Hasen, CEO and founder of Gotta Mobilize, Seattle. ?The key will be making this app broadly known.? 

Ozone levels
Drive Clean Texas, launched in 2001, seeks to raise awareness about the impact of vehicle emissions on air quality and to motivate drivers to take steps to help keep the air clean.

Money-saving tips at the touch of a button.

The campaign focuses on the hot summer months in Texas when ozone levels spike, causing areas of the state to fail to meet, or come close to failing, federal air quality standards. Some of the worst-affected places are Houston, Dallas/Fort Worth, El Paso, Beaumont/Port Arthur, Austin, San Antonio, Corpus Christi, Tyler and Victoria.

The aim was to provide drivers with tools and tips that would be available at the touch of a button. 

First the user downloads the program from roadcents.org. He or she can then access the basic tools without providing information. 

For a more personalized experience, vehicle details can be put in by selecting ?Get Started? to give the user detailed numbers on potential annual savings. The customized experience also sends service reminders and helpful tips to the user via emails for future vehicle needs.

The full mobile app is in development and will soon be available for full download for Android and Apple devices, a spokesman for Drive Clean Texas said. 

The app extends a popular idea ? using mobile to foster driver education. 

Last fall, a Michelin campaign leveraged YouTube videos to teach teens how to check tire pressure and tread depth while providing preventive vehicle maintenance information.

The campaign added a new video by Vine stars Jack and Jack to Michelin?s Beyond the Driving Test YouTube series. It was an example of how mobile could be harnessed to draw public attention to an important social cause.

Reducing emissions
When drivers properly keep up with vehicle maintenance and drive safely, it not only reduces emissions, helping keep Texas air clean, but it also helps save money at the pump. 

Combating ozone level spikes.

?The app is simple and concise, but packed with helpful information to help the user easily navigate the app and find the information they need,? the spokesman said.

?By having easy access to the information and tools provided in the app, they?ll always have what they need to make smart and safe decisions for their vehicle and our state.?

Final Take
Michael Barris is staff reporter on Mobile Marketer, New York