MoD orders automated driver training technology

It may be more famous for driving tanks than fuel-efficient eco-cars, but the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has this month signed a major contract to deploy automated driver coaching systems designed to cut carbon emissions and fuel bills in more than 4,500 of its vehicles.

A trial of the device from technology start-up GreenRoad in 2008 cut fuel use and led to a 31 per cent reduction in the number of high-risk driving manoeuvres, the MoD said. During the trial the company analysed driver behaviour in a variety of vehicles during 1.9 million miles of driving.

Separate research by GreenRoad, which also provides its in-vehicle device to bus companies, haulage fleets and ordinary motorists, has found the system improves fuel efficiency by around 10 per cent at the same time as lowering accident rates.

The system works by using sensors to identify up to 120 different types of manoeuvres, such as lane changes, sudden braking, aggressive acceleration and excessive speeding, that can increase accident risks and fuel use.

The information on the manoeuvres is then analysed and drivers are notified through an LED display on the dashboard if they are driving badly.

The data is also stored in a database and can be used to provide reports on driver behaviour and measure their performance over time.

The company says that encourages drivers to maintain a steady speed rather than accelerating and braking too much, adhere to speed limits, anticipate future manoeuvres earlier and select the right gear.

"Both FirstGroup and now the MoD are trailblazers in the commercial and public sectors, respectively, and demonstrate that GreenRoad's service not only saves lives but also makes environmental and business sense," said Aidan Rowsome, general manager at the company.