SmartDrive Study Finds Eco-Driving Improves Fuel Economy Nearly 14% in Waste-Hauling Fleets

San Diego, CA, August 8, 2012 – SmartDrive Systems, a market leader in driving intelligence solutions that improve safety, reduce collisions and improve fuel efficiency, today announced the results of its Waste-Hauling Fleet Fuel Efficiency Study. The findings reveal that waste-hauling fleets can reduce fuel consumption on average as much as 13.8%, saving more than $2,600 per vehicle annually, by engaging in fuel-efficient, eco-driving best practices.

“With the volatility of fuel prices, reducing fuel consumption is increasingly important in controlling operating expenses for waste-hauling fleets,” noted Steve Mitgang, CEO, SmartDrive. “Our study documented a significant opportunity to increase fuel efficiency through softer driving. The study also shows that training and real-time in-cab feedback combine to dramatically lower the incidence of wasteful maneuvers.

The study evaluated 193 waste-hauling trucks and drivers in multiple U.S. locations to assess the effect of driving performance on fuel consumption and the impact of eco-driving training and in-vehicle instant feedback on improving fuel economy. Data on the drivers’ performance was collected through SmartDrive sensors and recorders, then analyzed and scorecards were provided to drivers. After the control period and training, instant feedback on driving maneuvers and idling gave drivers the ability to adjust driving performance as it occurred. Post-training performance was measured, showing substantial reductions in the number and severity of hard accelerations, hard braking and hard turns.

“Within two months, the top 25% of drivers improved their fuel economy from 2.52MPG to 2.87MPG, or 13.8%. That’s a real savings that any waste-hauling fleet operator would appreciate,” Mitgang added.

According to Dave Antonacci, owner of Crown Container in NY, “The SmartDrive Safety program gives us a rich understanding of how our trucks are being driven, and a better idea of where to focus our training efforts. This Waste-Hauling Fleet Fuel Efficiency Study clearly points out a performance improvement area that can provide immediate dividends, in increased safety as well as greater fuel economy.”

About SmartDrive Systems

SmartDrive Systems, the recipient of Frost & Sullivan’s Customer Value Leadership Award for Video Safety Solutions, gives fleets and drivers unprecedented driving performance insight and analysis, helping save fuel, expenses and lives. Its video analysis, predictive analytics and personalized performance program help fleets improve driving skills, lower operating costs and deliver significant ROI. With an easy-to-use managed service, fleets and drivers can access and self-manage driving performance anytime, anywhere. The Company, which is ranked as one of the fastest growing companies by Deloitte’s Technology Fast 500™, has compiled the world’s largest storehouse of more than 140 million analyzed risky-driving events. SmartDrive Systems is based in San Diego, Calif., and employs over 500 people worldwide.

For more information on SmartDrive Systems, please visit www.smartdrive.net.

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Media Contact:

Havas Formula for SmartDrive Systems
smartdrive@formulapr.com
619-234-0345

Posted by Melissa.Senoff@smartdrive.net
On 8 August 2012

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