United States Department of Transportation
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National Energy Efficient Driving System (NEEDS). Volume 2, Driver Education Program
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1981-12-15
[PDF-4.80 MB]
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Edition:Final report
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Abstract:Studies were conducted to identify young driver deficiencies in knowledge, attitude, and performance with respect to fuel-efficiency. Five different programs of classroom-only and classroom/in-car instruction were administered experimentally to high school driver education students. Comparison of pre- and post-knowledge scores within and across groups showed that classroom instruction alone improved knowledge. In-car training did not provide additional improvement. Post-training performance scores of instruction groups were compared with those of a control group. Results disclosed no significant differences between any groups receiving instruction and the control group. In a second experiment, two revised programs of classroom-only, and classroom/in-car instruction were administered to another sample of driver education students. Comparison of pre and post knowledge and attitude scores showed significant improvements in knowledge and smaller improvements in attitudes among groups receiving instruction. In-car training was no more successful than classroom instruction alone in improving knowledge or attitudes. Performance measures indicated no significant differences within or across groups. Neither program was able to improve performance. In a final study, the relationship between acceleration rate and fuel economy was investigated using six automobiles of different weights, all with automatic transmissions. The cars were instrumented to permit measurement of fuel consumption between stops. Each was driven over the same test course and accelerated 30 times to 30 mph at each of three acceleration levels: low (.1 g), moderate (.2 g), and brisk (.3 g). Results indicated that in general a moderate acceleration is optimum. Some lighter vehicles were slightly more efficient at low accelerations, while some heavier vehicles were slightly more efficient at brisk accelerations. /Abstract from report summary page/
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