According to the U.S. Department of Energy, fuel consumption
increases almost 2% for each mile per hour above 50.
Consider the cost to your business in fleet fuel costs
when your drivers average more than 55 mph on the road:
- 55 mph = 7% in increased fuel costs
- 60 mph = 14% in increased fuel costs
- 70 mph = 23% in increased fuel costs
- 80 mph = 34% in increased fuel costs
Long Idling=High Fuel Loss
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, running a
vehicle at idle speed dramatically reduces engine life.
Just 60 minutes of idling time is equivalent to 80 to
120 minutes of driving time! Excessive idling can waste
up to 800 gallons of fuel annually for the average truck!
No Oversight=Lots of Overtime
Inefficient routes, unscheduled stops and unauthorized
trips can lead to serious overtime costs. With Fleet Tracking,
companies have discovered employees going shopping, seeing
movies and even dating during business hours.
Take-Home Fleet=Huge Risks
If you're one of the 91% of companies* that have take-home
fleet vehicles, you may be taking a sobering risk. Left
unchecked, some drivers can cripple your business with
reckless behaviors. If they get in an accident, drive drunk
or commit a crime in a company-provided vehicle, your business
is 100% liable for monetary damages!*
*Statistic provided from the National Association of Fleet Administrators 1999
Vehicle Policies and Procedures Survey.
High Effect on Engines:
Careful analysis of on the road experience indicates
the ideal speed for the average truck is 50-55 MPH. Above
55 MPH, the power required to increase speed multiplies
dramatically:
· 73% more horsepower to cruise at 60 MPH
· 159 % more horsepower to cruise at 70 MPH
Effect on Tires:
Heat is the number one enemy of tires. Sustained high
speeds raise tire temperatures above the critical level
causing strength and wear properties to deteriorate rapidly.
Tire wear will almost double at road speeds of 70 MPH or
greater.
Effect on Maintenance Costs:
Gears, bearings, clutches, suspension, and drive trains
all wear much faster at higher speeds. Increasing speed
from 50 MPH to 60 MPH increases maintenance cost by 38%.
Increasing the speed to 70 MPH increases the cost by 80%.
Effect on Accident Probabilities:
Approximate stopping distances, including reaction time
for the average person (2 axle trucks) are listed below:
- @ 50 MPH 275 feet (.92 football fields)
- @ 60 MPH 375 feet (1.25 football fields)
- @ 70 MPH 500 feet (1.67 football fields)
At 70 MPH, stopping distance is 63% greater than at 50 MPH. Even in daylight,
higher speeds will significantly increase accident probabilities.
