Fuel costs have been skyrocketing over the past couple of months as unrest in the Middle East has caused many investors to believe that exports of petroleum from OPEC/oil-producing countries will likely feel some form of disruption. With oil still being the main form of energy producer, many companies have had to make concessions in order to keep production high while not getting their backs broken by soaring fuel costs. The answer that many forward-thinking companies have found is that GPS car tracking devices can offer a cost-effective avenue to oversee the precise cost of fuel consumption by company drivers. Once businesses are able to draw a baseline of the monetary damages associated with fuel consumption, the company can then make adjustments, using GPS fleet management technology to reduce fuel consumption.
GPS trackers can offer businesses a number of ways to enhance operations from improved routing, mileage documentation, and auto-theft protection, but the key element that GPS vehicle tracking systems offer that can save companies money is that devices can record the speeds a driver travels. The reason why documenting driver speeds is important is that what many people may not be aware of is that any driver can reduce their fuel consumption by upwards of 35% by the proper use of something that every driver probably already has.
That being a functional and appropriately used right foot.
Drivers will often focus on many myths about fuel economy, such as thinking that a vehicle will get better gas mileage with the windows down rather than running the air conditioning, when in fact the way a person operates a vehicle will actually have the greatest impact on the amount of fuel they consume (driving a vehicle with the windows down actually creates drag/resistance that can have a negative impact on fuel economy). Although there are many little things that a driver can to improve fuel economy, for example checking the air pressure in tires once a week to ensure the proper inflation, the best ways to increase fuel efficiency is by keeping a steady foot and taking it slow.
GPS Tracking: How It Helps Fuel Economy
The difference between driving in a range between 55 mph-65 mph rather than driving consistently at an average of 60 mph can actually make a significant impact on any driver’s wallet. By using speed control features such as cruise control, drivers can keep a more steady pace, something that can increase fuel economy. Also, by simply driving a little more slowly can have a much more positive impact on the wallet. Although some of this news may already appear to be common knowledge, it is shocking how many drivers seem to neglect these simple ways to improve fuel economy.
The likely reason for the neglect?
The company driver is not paying the gas bill.
Our vehicle monitoring experts are by no means suggesting that companies should begin utilizing a plan or strategy to make drivers pay for gasoline use, but by using car tracking technology, businesses can monitor driving activity and make drivers adhere to more efficient driving standards. The data accessible from both passive trackers such as the GPS Tracking Key and real-time trackers such as the SpaceHawk can inform fleet managers about the driving practices of drivers, showing whether or not company vehicles are being used in an efficient fashion or simply taken for a ride. The fleet managers can then systematically shape the driving behaviors of drivers to cut fuel costs and increase the overall company bottom line.
Gas is only going to continue to rise in cost, therefore it is important to have drivers execute responsible decision making when operating company vehicles. The cost could save your business a ton!