Poor driving can result in 25% fleet cost variance, says Chevin13 November 2014

Fleet managers should take a stronger stance on driver behaviour if they want to reduce fleet operating costs, with the financial impact of good and bad drivers varying by as much as 25%.

That's the message from fleet management system provider Chevin Fleet Solutions, which has calculated the sum by compiling figures from its customer base.

Figures show, says Chevin, that the best drivers can reduce costs by 12%, while the worst can increase them by 13%.

"In terms of an average vehicle lifecycle, the difference between the best and worst drivers will run into thousands of pounds per vehicle and, even on a medium-sized fleet, could mean a total six-figure variance," says Chevin's David Gladding.

Key cost implications of driver behaviour are fuel, maintenance, accidents and vehicle condition, he adds.

"Generally, fleet managers recognise that less responsible drivers will have higher fuel consumption and cause more wear and tear to their vehicle.

"However, there is also a pretty strong correlation between that kind of driver behaviour and increased accident rates, as well as a general level of carelessness about the vehicle that can impact on residual values."

Tighter driver controls can have a noticeable impact, urges Gladding.

"Where employers make it clear that drivers have a high level of responsibility for the condition and use of their vehicle, the level of variance does close – not completely, obviously, but enough to make a stronger stance worthwhile."

Author
Laura Cork

Related Companies
Chevin Fleet Solutions

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