Drive Less: Spare the Air Season Has Begun

As the warm weather arrives, so to do high levels of toxic ozone pollution.

With summer just around the corner, Spare the Air season has officially begun. Conveniently, it's also Bike Month, which should encourage locals to reduce their driving. The largest source of smog in the area is tailpipe exhaust.

“Reducing the number of cars on our roads remains the biggest air quality challenge we face...” said Jack Broadbent, executive officer of the Air District. “We are urging residents to re-think their commute and leave their car at home at least twice a week - take transit, work from home, carpool or bike to work instead of driving alone.”

When Spare the Air alerts are issued, it means ozone (smog) pollution is forecast to reach toxic levels. Smog is known to cause throat irritation, congestion, chest pain, trigger asthma, inflame lung lining and exacerbate the symptoms of bronchitis and emphysema, according to a BAAQMD announcement Wednesday.

Daily air forecasts are available by signing up for email AirAlerts here, by calling 1-800-HELPAIR or by downloading the Spare the Air iPhone/Android app.

To find out about free bus days and more: 

• Like Davis Patch on Facebook
• Follow on Twitter
• Get Free Newsletter