In 2022, with gas prices soaring and growing pressure to make supply chains more efficient, researchers at the Traffic Injury Research Foundation (TIRF) set out to explore whether fuel-efficient driving habits could also help reduce collisions.
The study, funded by Natural Resources Canada, found that eco-driving behaviours—like gentle acceleration, smooth braking and maintaining a steady speed—not only cut fuel consumption and emissions by up to 15%, but also deliver measurable safety benefits. These included fewer crashes and lower insurance premiums.
Key outcomes of the study revealed: eco-driving leads to a 7% reduction in the odds of a hard braking event, an 8% reduction in sharp left- or right-turn incidents, a 34% drop in stability control events (like skidding or tipping), and a 4% decrease in collision risk. What does that look like in real life? Less wear on brakes and tires, fewer costly repairs, more time on the road—not in the shop—and fewer white-knuckle moments behind the wheel.
