Eco-­‐Driving  tips  

When  optimising  a  fleet’s  efficiency  it  is  essential  to  ensure  that  you  do  not  under  estimate  the  
role  that  the  driver  has  in  ensuring  that  the  vehicles  are  operated  to  their  full  potential.  No  
matter  how  safe  and  fuel-­‐efficient  the  vehicles  you  operate  are,  they  will  all  perform  poorly  
with  an  inefficient  driver  behind  the  wheel.  

The  following  tips  can  be  publicised  to  your  vehicle  drivers  to  enable  them  to  continue  to  drive  
in  a  fuel  efficiency  manner:  

• Try  to  avoid  using  your  car  for  short  journeys  –  use  public  transport,  cycle  or  walk  
• Plan  ahead  –  choose  uncongested  routes,  combine  trips  and  car  share  
• Cold  starts  –  drive  off  as  soon  as  possible  after  starting  and  do  so  gently  
• Drive  smoothly  and  efficiently  -­‐  harsh  acceleration  and  heavy  braking  have  a  very  
significant  effect  on  fuel  consumption  
• Slow  down  –  driving  at  80mph  uses  up  30  per  cent  more  fuel  than  at  65mph  
• Use  higher  gears,  as  soon  as  traffic  conditions  allow  
• Switch  off  the  engine  whenever  it  is  safe  to  do  so  (eg  while  in  traffic  jams)  –  sitting  
stationary  is  zero  miles  per  gallon  
• Lose  weight  –  don’t  carry  unnecessary  loads  and  remove  roof  racks  when  not  in  use  
• Regular  servicing  helps  keep  the  engine  at  its  best  efficiency  
• Make  sure  tyres  are  inflated  to  the  correct  pressure  for  the  vehicle  
• Do  not  compromise  safety  but  be  aware  that  the  use  of  onboard  electrical  devices  
increases  fuel  consumption  
• Check  your  fuel  consumption  –  it  will  help  you  get  the  most  from  the  car.  Changes  in  
overall  fuel  consumption  may  indicate  a  fault  
• Use  air-­‐conditioning  sparingly  –  running  it  continuously  will  increase  fuel  consumption  
significantly  
• Do  not  under  estimate  the  effectiveness  of  journey  planning.  Getting  lost  not  only  increases  
mileage  and  therefore  fuel  costs,  but  also  increases  driver  stress  levels  

To  increase  the  effectiveness  of  driver  training  and  other  awareness  raising  activities,  you  
should  investigate  the  use  of  driver  league  tables,  or  some  other  form  of  performance  awards.  
This  can  add  an  element  of  competition  and  fun  to  the  often  serious  topic  of  driver  
management.