5.3.1.6 Improving driving practices (eco-driving)

Fuel consumption of vehicles can be reduced through changes in driving practices. Fuel-efficient driving practices, with conventional combustion vehicles, include smoother deceleration and acceleration, keeping engine revolutions low, shutting off the engine when idling, reducing maximum speeds and maintaining proper tyre pressure (IEA, 2001). Results from studies conducted in Europe and the USA suggested possible improvement of 5–20% in fuel economy from eco-driving training. The mitigation costs of CO₂ by eco-driving training were mostly estimated to be negative (ECMT/IEA, 2005).

Eco-driving training can be attained with formal training programmes or on-board technology aids. It applies to drivers of all types of vehicles, from minicars to heavy-duty trucks. The major challenge is how to motivate drivers to participate in the programme, and how to make drivers maintain an efficient driving style long after participating (IEA, 2001). In the Netherlands, eco-driving training is provided as part of driving school curricula (ECMT/IEA, 2005).