A Monash University pilot study has found "eco driving" -- a technique that emphasises smoother driving behaviour -- has the potential to dramatically cut fuel consumption and carbon emissions in heavy vehicles, and that the lessons can be adopted by all motorists
The study found drivers of fully-laden 68 tonne B-double trucks, one of the heaviest vehicles on the road, reduced their fuel consumption by 27 per cent simply by using eco driving techniques, which include anticipating traffic flow, skipping gears when changing up, changing gears at lower engine revolutions, and braking less forcefully and less often.
The 12 week study conducted at Blue Circle Southern Cement in Somerton, Victoria, also found eco driving saved wear and tear on vehicles, with the number of gear changes and brake applications reduced by 29 per cent and 41 per cent respectively. It found the smoother driving techniques did not increase travel times over the 30 kilometre test circuit. The encouraging results from the pilot study provide justification for a larger field trial to confirm the statistical significance of the results.
Associate Professor Geoff Rose and Dr Mark Symmons assessed the success of the eco driving training course on behalf of the Cement Industry Federation, and in a report sponsored by the Commonwealth Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government released this week. Associate Professor Rose said the high number of kilometres travelled by commercial vehicles each year made the drivers ideal training candidates.
"Australia's road transport system produces about 80 million tonnes of greenhouse gas each year, accounting for 14 per cent of our national emissions," Associate Professor Rose said. "Light commercial vehicles and trucks are responsible for 38 per cent of those emissions, travelling almost 50 billion kilometres each year.
"The fuel savings and lower maintenance costs gained through eco driving not only translate into significant savings for the industry; they translate into significant savings for the environment."
Blue Circle Southern Cement Victorian Distribution Manager Ian Duncan said the results of the pilot study had encouraged the company to train its entire staff in the eco driving techniques.
"Blue Circle uses approximately 1.5 million litres of diesel fuel per annum, which is a significant proportion of our operating costs," Mr Duncan said.
"Even a one per cent reduction in fuel consumption would translate into financial savings of about $15,000 per annum for the company and reduce our CO2 emissions by about 40 tonnes.
"The training has also led to increased work satisfaction, with drivers reporting they feel less stress and fatigue when using the eco driving techniques."
Wayne Striplin from Strategix Training Group, an organisation that designs eco driver training programs, said the techniques were not limited to heavy vehicles and the transport industry.
"With 11 million cars on our roads, unstable oil prices and Australia's carbon emission reduction targets, eco driving is something we can all learn and adopt in our day to day driving to save money, the environment and reduce stress," Mr Striplin said.