How to rate drivers' driving style with an eco score
Objectively rating drivers' driving style no longer has to rest on guesswork. An eco score assembles a clear picture from real GPS data of how your drivers brake, accelerate and corner – and shows where driving can be smoother, cheaper and safer.
What an eco score is and how it is calculated
An eco score (often also called green driving) is a summary figure expressing the quality of a driver's driving. Rating driving style rests on three basic events: harsh braking, harsh acceleration and harsh cornering. Each such event is recorded together with its place and time.
The Teltonika unit in the vehicle senses acceleration on three axes and evaluates when it exceeds a set threshold. The result is not a dispatcher's subjective impression but measurable data that can be compared between drivers and over time.
Why tracking driving quality pays off
Smooth driving has a direct impact on costs. An aggressive driving style increases fuel consumption and wear on brakes, tyres and the gearbox. On the same route, the difference between a calm and a jumpy driver can amount to several per cent of extra consumption.
The second reason is safety. Vehicles that frequently brake and accelerate harshly have a statistically higher accident risk. By tracking the eco score you can catch risky habits in good time, before they turn into a claim.
How to read reports and set a benchmark
In SaveTrack reports you see the score for individual journeys, days and whole periods. It is useful to watch not just the absolute figure but the trend over time – whether the driver is improving or getting worse. A one-off swing during a single stressful trip is not a problem; a persistently low score is.
We recommend setting an internal benchmark by type of operation. Urban delivery will naturally involve more braking than long-distance haulage. So compare drivers who cover similar routes in similar vehicles.
Working with drivers on the basis of data
Data is only the start – what matters is how you work with it. Instead of blanket criticism, show the driver the specific points on the route where a harsh manoeuvre occurred. These are often solvable situations, such as a badly chosen gear or insufficient following distance.
It is good practice to tell drivers about the measurement in advance and explain the point of the eco score. Drivers who understand why driving style is tracked accept feedback far better than those who find out about it by accident.
How SaveTrack helps with the eco score
SaveTrack collects green driving events directly from the GPS units and displays them clearly in reports for each driver. You see the score per journey and per period and can set up automatic alerts for significant swings.
The system runs on proven Teltonika units with a 60-second update rate while driving, so you have a current overview of what is happening across the fleet. Driving style can therefore be tracked continuously, not just retrospectively at the annual review.
FAQ
Which events feed into the eco score?
Primarily harsh braking, harsh acceleration and harsh cornering. The Teltonika unit evaluates these events from the accelerometer and records them together with place and time.
Can eco scores be compared between different drivers?
Yes, but it is fair to compare drivers with similar routes and vehicles. Urban delivery naturally involves more braking than long-distance haulage, so compare within comparable conditions.
Do I have to tell drivers about the measurement?
It is the recommended and correct approach. Drivers should know that driving style is being tracked, the monitoring should be proportionate to the work purpose, and informing them increases willingness to accept feedback.
How quickly is driving data updated?
SaveTrack works with a 60-second update rate while driving, so you see green driving events and position practically continuously through the day.
How much does eco score tracking cost?
The eco score is part of SaveTrack tracking, which starts from €6 a month per vehicle. With annual payment the GPS unit is included and the price gradually falls from €6 to €5 and down to €4, with no lock-in.
Want to rate your drivers' driving style objectively? Get in touch on +421 908 918 880 or info@savetrack.sk and we will set up the eco score for you from €6 a month.
GPS tracking from €6/month, with the GPS device included on annual payment.
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