24 Jul 17
News

LCV driver behaviour is fuel-inefficient

Company LCV driver behaviour is inefficient and dangerous: they use too much fuel, pay too little attention to CO2 emissions, and generally drive too fast – both within and without city centres. And even if the company name is on the side of the bus. Those are some of the standout results of a study by fleet management solutions provider Fleetmatics, which interviewed 536 drivers of light commercial vans, delivery trucks, pick-ups and the like about aspects of their driver behaviour. Some results:

→ Only 43% of those surveyed say their driver behaviour is geared to optimising their fuel use.

→ Only 24% say they optimise their driving with an eye on their CO2 emissions.

→ In view of those figures, it is not surprising to learn that 68% leaves their engine running when making brief stops, for example at railroad crossings.

→ Of those, 44% leave the engine running because they aren't thinking about the alternative, 24% don't feel like turning it off and 21% think a stationary car with an engine running consumes less fuel than having to turn it off and on again. In reality, a running engine of a stationary car uses more energy than turning it off and on after only 10 seconds of standing still.

→ In terms of safety, 33% regularly accelerate agressively at traffic lights, 27% often break too late (and thus too hard), 34% admit to speeding within (and 50% without) city limits, and 23% have received a traffic ticket while driving the company car.

→ Such behaviour is not just dangerous, but can also be detrimental to the reputation of the company;  especially since 71% of those surveyed drive around in vehicles logoed with the company name. While 64% say this influences their driving behaviour for the better, 15% say they have never even considered this; 4% of drivers have already been reprimanded by their employer for their driving behaviour.     

→ And yet, 56% of those surveyed said the employer could and should do more to improve safety and fuel economy. - whether by training (23%) or by rewarding positive driving styles (42%).

“These results show how important it is for employers to understand, coach and improve the driving style of their employees – which will reduce fuel costs, unwanted driving behaviour and improve safety on the road”, says Jan-Willem Doornbos (pictured), marketing manager Benelux at Fleetmatics.

Image: LinkedIn

Authored by: Frank Jacobs