Fuel efficiency culture – the attitudes of commercial vehicle drivers

Abstract

In 2008 research was conducted for the New Zealand government to develop an understanding of the commercial vehicle fleet operators' practices, attitudes, perceptions and barriers to change, in relation to fuel-efficiency, fuel use monitoring and fleet management practices in New Zealand. The study used a stratified sample, utilizing fleet size and industry sectors. “Face-to-face‟ interviews took place with 300 drivers, along with a telephone survey of 300 operators and in-depth interviews with 54 operators and six key industry figures.

This paper focuses on the responses of the 300 drivers surveyed. It is the attitude and willingness of drivers that is a critical element in most interventions aimed at achieving improved fuel efficiency in the commercial vehicle fleet. The pursuit of fuel efficiency can also result in a better safety environment.