Robin Brown: drivers can save fuel themselves through better driving techniques
Reader’s comment on how to reduce cost impact of fuel price rise
READER Robin Brown has responded to my last blog 540 on fuel prices: Fuel price increases add to business costs. Here’s what Robin has to say:
I’ve just read your blog on the current fuel price increases and would like to add these comments.
The recent hike in fuel prices is going to hit everyone, although in particular I suspect it will affect logistics companies and those businesses with larger company car fleets most, where the combination of tough economic times is coupled with low profit margins.
But we can’t just sit back and lobby for the price of fuel to go down. Action needs to be taken now and businesses need to be proactive in trying to reduce the amount of fuel they use.
Driving techniques have been well-proven to increase fuel efficiency among fleets. We’ve seen instances where our clients have saved hundreds of thousands of pounds in fuel costs just by ensuring their drivers are fully trained.
But fuel efficient drivers also means safer drivers and those same techniques can be used to reduce costs associated with accident damage, not to mention the time vehicles are off the road to effect the repairs.
We’re working with many retailers, haulage companies and organisations at the moment to introduce SAFED (Safe and Fuel Efficient Driving) to ensure businesses can reduce their operating costs.
Proactive businesses will benefit from this situation. It’s not the time to sit back and accept the higher fuel prices. It’s time to do something about it and I believe that those businesses that will succeed through the tough times will be the ones which grasp the opportunities to reduce their costs and improve their margins.
Robin Brown, ceo, System Training
Editor’s note: Robin makes a good point. Greater efficiency in your driving style can provide remarkable fuel gains that keep the
