How do you Travel Wise?

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For a student in Utah, it wouldn’t be hard to spend $1,200 a year on gas alone. But with $1,200 students could buy 4,000 ounces of frozen yogurt, 6,000 McDonalds chicken nuggets or 600 frozen pizzas.

To alleviate this financial burden, the TravelWise campaign is holding a video contest about how traveling wisely can help students. The contest is open for students from all Utah universities. Competitors have 30 seconds to show how TravelWise can help fellow students.

To address some transportation challenges arising from recent growth, the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) developed TravelWise, a set of strategies to encourage alternatives to solo driving.

“TravelWise is about the mindset of getting together to conserve,” said Steve Martin, a senior public relations major from Monterey, Calif., who is working on the TravelWise campaign. “It’s about finding better ways to utilize the resources we’ve been given.”

The state of Utah is asking individuals, businesses and organizations to implement TravelWise strategies to reduce energy consumption, reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality, ultimately improving the quality of life in Utah.

Many students drive conscientiously because of congestion.

“I walk when I can,” said Devery Admundsen, a sophomore from Reno, Nev., studying English. “When I take my car, I go as many places as I need to in one trip.  There [are] enough drivers in Provo.”

On its web page, TravelWise quotes Utah Gov. Gary Herbert, who spoke of the importance of an efficient transportation system.

“An efficient transportation system supports Utah’s economy and enhances our quality of life,” Herbert said. “We can each help make the transportation system a little more efficient with TravelWise, ultimately reducing energy use, reducing traffic congestion and improving air quality. We’re not asking one person to do everything, we’re asking everyone to do something. As individuals … embrace and implement TravelWise strategies, our roadways will function more efficiently and all Utahns will benefit.”

According to rideshare.org, a commuter with a 60-mile daily commute who joined a two-person carpool would save $4,388 per year.

Some students have discovered unique ways to save money on gas.

“I schedule classes so I only have to go to campus once,” said Emily Chambers, a senior from Lindon, studying English. She also suggested people turn off their cars at drive-thrus and not leave their car idling.

The winning video will be shown on the jumbotron at the Homecoming football game on Oct 8. Other winning videos will also be shown on the video loop in the Wilkinson Center and the BYU Bookstore. Submissions should be turned in on Youtube with the tag TravelWise Utah Video Contest. Go to goo.gl/WzbGU for more details.

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