Study results showed that a single unit increase in the Isaac driver score was associated with a 7% reduction in risky driver behaviors. For specific behaviors, the reduction in safety events is even lower.
Study results conclude that a driver’s “chance of having a hard right turn decreased by 8% when the Isaac score goes up,” Vanlaar explained. “So, we're starting to see a trend that when the driver has a higher Isaac score, there's fewer chances of having hard braking, hard left turns, hard right turns."
“Now you can see that this is a driver who drives more smoothly,” Vanlaar said referencing a certain sample of data analyzed in the report. “So, there will be fuel savings because he's driving more smoothly—there's no dispute about that anymore. But there's also going to be safety benefits of doing that.”
Taking safety considerations even further, TIRF analyzed data from actual collisions. While there are much fewer collision events compared to near-collision events, TIRF discovered a similar result with a 3.6% decrease in the probability of collisions experienced by a driver who exhibits a single unit increase in their Isaac driving score.
“That's a decrease of 3.6% in crashes just by adopting one particular safety measure—in this instance, driving more eco-friendly,” Vanlaar said. “That is very impactful.”
What makes an eco-conscious driver?
Removing more obvious risky driver behaviors, such as harsh braking, hard turns, and aggressive acceleration, isn’t the only way drivers can become more eco-conscious. Fleets can also ensure eco-driving behaviors by encouraging the use of cruise control, driving consistent speeds, and continual driver training.
Results from the TIRF study found that drivers who use cruise control by a single percentage reduce ultra-carbon emissions by 3%. Further, using cruise control also contributes to a 9% reduction in hard-braking events.
Cruise control can help decrease hard-braking events, but it also helps ensure the truck travels in top gear for an extended period, which comes with benefits as well.
“Driving in top gear with steady speed [is] associated with a 34% reduction of lost stability control events,” Vanlaar explained.
Another factor that heavily influences a driver’s safety and eco-driving score is their age.
“We found that if the driver's age increases by just one year, we have a 9% reduction in the chances of hard-braking events,” Vanlaar said. “For young drivers in the fleet, it's really important that in addition to the education that they get to get their driver's license ... [ongoing] coaching and training is really important.”
Small behavioral changes that make a big impact
Vanlaar explained that while these behavioral changes are something the average driver doesn’t often think about, these changes make a big difference when implemented across an entire fleet.
“Less time spent speeding, more use of cruise control, and more time spent in top gear results in significant reductions in your chances of being involved in near-hit events or a crash,” Vanlaar said. “It reduces your fuel consumption, which can translate in a lot of savings in fuel, of course, but also insurance costs. It can also increase productivity.”
Additionally, the sample of drivers involved in the study had already proven to be some of the best drivers within their fleet, company data showed. However, after using eco-driving practices and behaviors, these drivers also showed significant improvement.
“Even when you're already a really good eco driver, with coaching or with something like Isaac or a similar technology, you can still improve,” Vanlaar concluded. “You can still make gains, probably in the fuel savings, but clearly also in terms of safety-related events.”
