TomTom WORK forges link between eco-driving and road safety

• Eco-driving skills transfer directly to safer motoring
• Driver inputs can be monitored and addressed using telematics
• TomTom WORK technology to be employed at the 2010 MPG Marathon
• TomTom WORK sponsored 'Safe Driving Award' for second year

TomTom WORK, the division of TomTom dedicated to commercial vehicle fleets and sponsor of the MPG Marathon for the past three years, says eco-driving techniques and safer motoring go hand-in-hand. The combination of smooth driving inputs and anticipating traffic conditions, essential to both driving techniques, not only reduce fuel costs and CO₂ emissions but also make motorists less likely to be involved in an incident.

For the second year running, TomTom WORK will be highlighting these combined benefits through its sponsorship not only of the MPG Marathon but additionally the 'Safe Driving Award' which forms part of the two-day event which promotes efficient driving. Each of the van entries will be equipped with TomTom WORK's LINK 300 telematics system which blend satellite navigation with vehicle tracking and also allows the event organisers to monitor driver inputs to the brakes and steering, as well as monitoring speeding. These 'driving events' such as harsh braking and steering are recorded and graded using a star rating system according the severity of the offence, and reports are then generated to determine the winner of the 'Safe Driving Award'.

Jeremy Gould, TomTom WORK's sales manager, said: Safe driving and reducing fuel consumption are the most important issues for companies with vehicles, and this award encourages drivers to think seriously about how both go hand-in-hand. The link between the use of telematics with driver training and subsequent reductions in fuel use is well established with our own research showing savings of, on average, 16% across commercial fleets. We agree with respected motoring bodies such as the AA that these operational economies are associated with safer driving practises and when consistently employed will have a positive effect on accident reduction