Blog: RALPH MORTON
I was at the ACFO conference yesterday – a gathering of fleet managers with various presentations around efficiency – and one of the best I thought was from David Nicholas on Efficient Driving.
A consultant for the Energy Saving Trust’s Smarter Driving programme, David explained some of the benefits, which include lower fuel consumption and fewer accidents.
I’ve been on the course – it’s really good. You might think you drive smoothly and economically but the course taught me to drive more efficiently – and more quickly. So I get to a destination faster without using so much fuel.
Now, who wouldn’t want to do that?
I began comparing notes with an industry colleague next to me, another Ralph – not often do you get two Ralphs in the same place sitting next to each other!
Ralph Collins is the contract hire supply manager from dealer group Vertu Motors.
We knew each other anyway, but got into discussions about best mpgs and how we achieved it. He’s currently seeing a 46mpg average on his Vauxhall Insignia Auto.
My Audi A6 manual is showing a similar average. OK not quite as good: 45.9mpg. But it shows you how efficient driving can help improve economy. And trying to drive smoothly and maintain momentum is a real challenge that I enjoy.
“Efficient driving techniques – most of it is common sense,” said David. “Of the 30,000 drivers we have trained, we’ve seen over a 14 per cent average improvement In fuel economy.”
As far as I’m concerned – given the cost of fuel – that’s a saving worth having, don’t you think?
And what’s the cost? Just £25 + VAT for a Smarter Driving course. What’s more it doesn’t take long and it’s easy to organise: 50 minutes per person is all you need. And the trainer comes to your premises. What’s difficult about that? And the costs you’ll save on the company car fuel bill for your business.
“I used to be obsessed with getting around as quickly as possible,” Ralph related to me. “Now it’s getting around as efficiently as possible using the least amount of fuel. It’s compelling.”
I agree. And shall continue to do so in my Audi A6.
