A marathon increase in MPG

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

22 September 2010

IAM Drive & Survive’s success at the MPG Marathon has proven that you can get miles more of out of your car with the right driving style.

At last week’s 2010 MPG Marathon, both teams trained by IAM Drive & Survive managed to beat the combined manufacturers MPG by over 20 per cent. Dean Coogan of Addison Lee and Katrina Waddley from Total were driving very different cars, (a Ford Galaxy Zetec and Peugot 308 respectively) but proved that driving with eco-driving in mind can lead to huge improvements in fuel economy as well as safety.

Simon Elstow, IAM Drive & Survive Head of Training and Field Operations said: “We are thrilled to see how well Katrina and Dean did as a result of our ecolution eco-driving course. It just goes to show that thinking about your driving can reduce your fuel costs and carbon footprint significantly.

“Driving more efficiently shouldn’t come at the cost of safety, though. We encourage drivers to make sensible progress and to focus on maintaining momentum rather than driving unnecessarily slowly,” Mr Elstow continued.

Dean and Katrina pay testament to this: “The training was definitely worth doing. Tony also made sure we were driving safely at all times, and that we understood the car and how to control it better” said Katrina.

 Dean agreed: “Without taking the course prior to the event, I don’t believe I could have got anything close to the 21 per cent increase on the manufacturer’s combined MPG that we managed. The course taught me to be more aware of what is occurring far ahead of me, and to adjust my driving and speed appropriately.”

Everybody hates being snarled up in traffic, with recent research findings suggesting higher levels of stress in drivers than those who commute by public transport. By driving to maintain momentum, backing-off from queues of traffic earlier, and looking ahead to plan your strategy you can save fuel and money, and make your driving a safer and more relaxing experience. 

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ENDS ALL 

1. The IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) directly influences the driving and riding of more than 100,000 full members in the UK and Ireland. Established in 1956, the IAM is today best known for the advanced driving test and the advanced driving course, which is available to car, motorcycle and commercial licence holders. The IAM has grown to become the UK’s largest independent road safety charity, dedicated to raising driving standards, engaging with the road-using public and influencing road safety policy.  The commercial division of the IAM operates through its occupational driver training company IAM Drive & Survive.

2. A 2006 report by Brunel University, following an 18 month study, concluded that “advanced driver training produces safer drivers and lower accident involvement”, with measurable improvements in knowledge, skills and attitude.

3. In January 2007, the IAM established the Policy and Research Division to undertake research, promote practical policies, act as an advocate for safer roads, safer drivers and safer vehicles and encourage responsible motoring through education and training.