What is Driving Behaviour?

Driving behaviour is an indication of how a driver drives a vehicle, and is determined from various inputs such as speed, braking, coasting, gear shifting, idling, and steering. Good driving behaviour can positively impact fuel costs, maintenance, and insurance premiums and help to reduce the total cost of vehicle ownership.

Why is good driving behaviour so important for fleet companies?

Driving behaviour is a key part of operational and reputational management for any fleet business. It is particularly critical in fleet management, as implementing more efficient and accountable driving practices can not only help to increase a company's bottom line, but also introduce better safety for all concerned.:

Poor driver behaviour is key factor in road accidents: Most road accidents are caused by human error, with over 90% of road accidents caused by dangerous driver behaviour. Speeding, harsh turning and braking are some of the most common causes of road incidents. It is vital to maintain good driving behaviour in order to prevent accidents from occuring.
Driver behaviour impacts fuel consumption: Poor driving behaviour can also result in unnecessary fuel wastage. To maximise fuel consumption, it is essential that drivers drive economically, which involves maintaining a steady speed, avoiding traffic to minimise idle time, slowing down and switching the vehicle off when it is not in use.
Good driving behaviour reduces maintenance costs: Vehicles that are driven harshly or carelessly can experience more wear and tear. This will inevitably mean more repairs, more vehicle downtime and a more expensive fleet to manage. Over time, repair and replacement costs can truly hurt a business's profitability.

Top tips on how fleet companies can maintain good driver behaviour

Plan your route: The more optimised your route is, the less time your fleet spends on the road. This also means limiting fuel consumption and saving energy. Routes that consider interruptions, such as road works, help drivers to navigate external factors and ensure that they continue a smooth journey.

Limit harsh braking and acceleration: When driving, it is important to maintain a constant speed where possible. Harsh, abrupt starting and stopping in traffic require more energy to speed up the vehicle from resting, which should be avoided where possible.
Driving experience and navigation technology: Over time, experienced drivers become more skilled at good driving behaviour and driving methods, such as coasting, will come naturally. Fleet managers also play an important role in coaching new drivers to form good driving habits. However, new vehicle technologies, such as adaptive transmissions or cruise control, may also be used to provide driving support.
Proper vehicle maintenance: Fleets that run in suboptimal conditions, such as having underinflated tires, can also affect driving behaviour. Maintaining a good upkeep of different components of the fleet can help to optimise driving behaviours and save fuel in the long run. Consistent use of products like tire lubricants can also help drivers get into the habit of taking care of the fleet and set a foundation for good driving behaviours.