SAN DIEGO - SmartDrive Systems, a fleet safety and operational efficiency company, announced the results of its Commercial Transportation Fuel Efficiency Study at the American Trucking Association's (ATA's) Management Conference and Exhibition in Grapevine, Texas.

The findings reveal that commercial fleets can reduce fuel consumption on average as much as 22 percent, saving more than $12,500 per vehicle annually, by engaging in fuel-efficient, eco-driving best practices.

"With the volatility of fuel prices, reducing fuel consumption is increasingly important in controlling operating expenses for commercial transportation fleets," noted SmartDrive President Jason Palmer. "Our study documented a significant opportunity to increase fuel efficiency by addressing the 80 percent of fuel waste that can be improved through softer driving. The study also shows that training and real-time in-cab feedback combine to dramatically lower the incidence of wasteful maneuvers."

The study evaluated 695 tractor-trailers, heavy-duty trucks, and drivers in multiple U.S. locations to assess the effect of driving performance on fuel consumption and the impact of training and in-vehicle instant feedback on improving fuel economy. Study data was compiled by SmartDrive sensors and recorders, then analyzed and training recommendations provided. Real-time in-vehicle feedback on driving maneuvers and idling gave drivers the ability to adjust driving performance as it happened. Post-training performance was measured showing substantial reductions in the number and severity of hard accelerations, hard decelerations and hard turns.

"Within two months, the top 25 percent of drivers improved their fuel economy from 5.92 mpg to 7.98 mpg, or 22 percent. That's a real savings that any commercial fleet operator would appreciate," Palmer added.

For a copy of the SmartDrive Commercial Transportation Fuel Efficiency Study, visit www.smartdrive.net.