An Analysis of Commercial Vehicle Speed Control Concepts

Speed control concepts are devices, designs, or techniques which, when used separately or in combination, reduce a vehicle 's road speed to a more fuel-efficient level. The study encompassed five general categories of speed control: engine speed governors/power train numerical ratios, road speed governors, tachographs/trip recorders, cruise controls, and driver training and motivation programs. Although fleet operating experience has demonstrated that the proper use of speed control can save fuel and have other beneficial side effects, three factors affect the development of speed control programs: driver resistance, management commitment, and operational difficulties. While speed control programs can vary, companies with successful programs thoroughly investigate the market, train and motivate their drivers, and implement the program slowly with careful monitoring and structured tests.