Why smart driving makes good business sense

The FIA Smart Driving Challenge (SDC) is a challenge in smart driving where people all over the world can participate. But why does smart driving matter? More importantly, what can it do for your organization?

Here are five reasons why smart driving is good for business:

1. Smart drivers are safe drivers

It’s in the interest of every business to manage driver safety. Every collision has the potential to disrupt your business operations, and every time your business operations are disrupted there are many people affected, including your customers. When a collision happens, it has many associated effects, and may bring with it injuries and damage, medical expenses, repairs, lost working time, and associated admin time and costs. A serious collision could even reach the news and damage your brand.

Creating a workplace culture that actively encourages safer driving behavior can result in cost and time savings for your business and help to maintain positive customer relationships.

2. Smart driving reduces fuel and emissions

Due to rising oil prices, fuel costs are all-time high, so fuel economy is high on the agenda for many businesses. Add to this the target to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, and the importance of reducing fuel use and vehicle emissions has never been greater. Smart drivers know to handle the gas and brake smoothly, which is not only good for safety, but also for fuel use and the environment. Less wear and tear on vehicles can also help improve the residual value of vehicles.

Additionally, inspiring smarter driving is beneficial for fleets with EVs, as smart driving helps increase range.

3. A smart driving program can increase productivity

Engaged workers are critical to business success. One study on employee engagement and culture concluded that: “both cultural alignment and engagement have a proven relationship with a company’s financial performance. Together, the two forces have a more positive impact on revenue than when working independently.”[1]Additionally, research has shown that:

• Companies with highly engaged workers have 70% fewer accidents than companies with poor employee engagement[2], and that
• A culture of employee engagement can lead to up to 18% higher revenue per employee[3]
• A program that encourages smart driving emphasises your company’s mission to keep employees safe both in and out of the workplace, and provides the opportunity to involve families and the wider community too. Company challenges, feedback and gamification can help participants feel part of a team, and can support employee well-being.

4. Promoting smart driving supports your CSR efforts

Regardless of your company size, location or industry, corporate social responsibility matters. Being able to demonstrate that you’re taking action to do business in a safer, more sustainable way is of upmost importance to your customers, partners, and stakeholders.

The importance of actively encouraging safer, cleaner driving behavior is growing greater by the day, as we understand the significant impact that driving has on the world around us. We know that more deaths occur from road travel whilst working than at the workplace[4] and that one in three road deaths are sustained while someone is driving for work[5]. Encouraging your employees to drive smarter will help to improve safety within your organization, and at a much wider level.

5. Smart driving supports the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals

Adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development provides a blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, both now and in the future. At its heart are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are an urgent call for action by all countries.

Smart driving supports nine out of the 17 SDGs, meaning that your company can help contribute to a better and more sustainable future for all by encouraging smart driving within your organization.

[1] Trends-in-Global-Employee-Engagement-Report-2015_EMEA.pdf (aon.com)

[2] SOAW_Report_GEN_1216_WEB_FINAL_rj.pdf (workcompprofessionals.com)

[3] SOAW_Report_GEN_1216_WEB_FINAL_rj.pdf (workcompprofessionals.com)

[4] final_report_ward_christie_walton_dec_2020.pdf (ucl.ac.uk)

[5] final_report_ward_christie_walton_dec_2020.pdf (ucl.ac.uk)

Encourage smart driving with the FIA Smart Driving Challenge