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Title: Driver energy conservation awareness training. Review and recommendations for a national program

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/5732393· OSTI ID:5732393

The idea of driver energy conservation awareness was formalized as a training program (DECAT) by the Department of Energy in the late 1970's. This report reviews the curriculum of that program, its basis in engineering tests and principles, its past activities and achievements, and its potential, and makes recommendations for a renewed program. There is ample evidence that typical drivers can reduce fuel consumption by at least 10% by the way they maintain and operate their vehicles. The original DOE program was reasonably successful in reaching motor vehicle fleets, especially in government. Challenges for a new DECAT program include increasing its outreach to the general motoring public, fostering research and transfer to the marketplace of effective driver feedback devices, and incorporating DECAT training into the driver education and licensing process, nationwide. Depending on the effectiveness of DECAT, motor fuel savings could range up to 10 billion gallons annual.

Research Organization:
Oak Ridge National Lab. (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
AC05-84OR21400
OSTI ID:
5732393
Report Number(s):
ORNL/TM-9897; ON: DE86012453
Resource Relation:
Other Information: Portions of this document are illegible in microfiche products. Original copy available until stock is exhausted
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English