The Safe And Fuel Efficient Driver Learning Program (SAFEDLP)
Murphy Transport Solutions (MTS)
A range of industry and government partners including the Transport Workers Union (TWU) and the Victorian Transport Association (VTA) are developing the “Safe and Fuel Efficient Driver Learning Program” with the assistance of the Transport and Logistics Centre (TALC).
This partnership between unions and employers aims to build a new and comprehensive approach to safe and fuel efficient driver learning in NSW. The approach includes training, management systems changes, adoption of a reward system and behavioural changes.
What’s it about?
The Project aims to change the driving behaviours of road transport drivers to improve fuel efficiency, reduce carbon emissions/air pollution and to improve road safety. A number of demonstration companies, including carriers such as Bulktrans (a division of Scott Corporation Ltd) and Murphy Transport Solutions (MTS), will participate in the trialling of fuel monitoring and rewards systems to encourage safe and fuel efficient driving. These systems, supported by training, will be tested under a range of driving situations including long haul, city driving and short routine trips.
This project will demonstrate to road transport managers and drivers safe and environmentally friendly driving and maintenance techniques. The changed driving, maintenance and fleet management behaviours aim to reduce fuel use by between 5-10%. Government support is being utilised to share the outcomes with the road transport industry in NSW.
Bulktrans (a division of Scott Corporation Ltd)
What outcomes?
The program will directly lead to:
- “green skilled” road transport workers (drivers, worker representatives trained as “green champions”, managers);
- a high profile demonstration of the value of safe and fuel efficient driver training including:
- increased productivity,
- creation of higher skilled workers,
- reduced carbon footprint and;
- reduced release of atmospheric pollutants
- safer roads through the uptake of safer driving behaviours.
How will it be done?
The project partners have been working with the Transport Industry Skills Centre (TISC) to build this learning program. This project recognises not only the driver behaviour changes that are required, but also the need to create ‘green champions’ in the workplace through the engagement of workplace supervisors and leaders. These champions will address the critical tasks of building workplace and rewards systems that embed fuel efficiency in the workplace culture.
Part of this embedding will be the creation of a driver incentive scheme to reward driver behaviour changes. This ensures that initial fuel efficiency gains are maintained over the long term. It is intended that these reward schemes will eventually be included in Fair Work Agreements reached between employers and workers, ensuring that this cultural shift becomes part of the normal management processes of road transport companies.
So what are Safe and Fuel Efficient driving behaviours?
The Learning Program will assist drivers to improve fuel efficiency through changing key driving behaviours and optimising vehicle set up. The type of fuel savings behaviours that will be used throughout the program include:
- Maintaining a steady speed in the optimal engine rpm range
- Avoiding heavy and/or sudden acceleration or braking
- Looking ahead as far as possible in order to anticipate the actions of other drivers and predict likely changes and interruptions to the traffic flow
- Minimising idling time
- Coasting to traffic lights or intersections so that there is no unnecessary braking
- Shifting up through the gears as soon as possible
- Skipping gears when it is appropriate
- Using the highest gear possible
- Monitoring and maintaining appropriate tyre air pressures
- Ensuring that recommended servicing intervals are met and maintenance carried out
- Maximising vehicle aerodynamics and minimising unnecessary weight
- Not ‘warming-up’ the vehicle when it is first started
- Making smart use of in-cab devices such as the air conditioner
- Loading correctly to maximise fuel efficiency and reduce drag.
When will the results be available?
The results of the Demonstration project will be presented and communicated across the industry in Summer 2012.
More information?
If you have any questions or would like to register your interest in participating, please contact the Transport and Logistics Centre (TALC) on (02) 9032 7600 and ask for Brett or via email to brett@talc.com.au.
