Improving road transport energy efficiency through driver training

Akena, Robert p'Ojok (2014). Improving road transport energy efficiency through driver training. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

Preview

Akena14PhD.pdf
PDF - Redacted Version
Download (15MB)

Abstract

Fuel consumption by road vehicles is the most significant component of total road transport energy use and is significantly affected by driving style. This research was aimed at improving the effectiveness and efficiency of driver training for fuel economy for drivers involved in the management and operations of a road network in England. A unique approach to driver training was designed and tested with 94 drivers of heavy, medium and light vehicles. The improvement in fuel economy (in terms of MPG) for the first month after the training was observed to improve by up to 7%. The improvements reduced at varying rates after the training suggesting the need for regular refresher training. The behaviours of the drivers were also observed to change as a result of the training, towards styles more suited to achieving a better fuel economy. The results suggest that both linear and logarithmic models could be suited to predicting the drivers' performances and could be integrated in models of the type of HDM-4 which currently lack such capability. The driver training methodology was found to be more cost effective than the Safe And Fuel Efficient Driving (SAFED) training method recommended by the Department for Transport (DfT).

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):