The Business Case for Slower Driving: Saving Fuel, Saving Lives, and Protecting Profitability

In the fast-paced world of logistics and trucking, speed is often perceived as synonymous with efficiency. However, research clearly demonstrates that slower, controlled driving not only preserves life and property but also could directly strengthen business profitability through improved fuel efficiency, lower insurance premiums, and longer operational longevity.

Fuel Efficiency: How Slower Speeds Slash Fuel Costs

Multiple studies show that highway cruising speeds of 58–60 mph optimize fuel efficiency for heavy-duty trucks, especially those hauling medium to heavy loads. Exceeding this range increases aerodynamic drag exponentially, leading to higher fuel consumption. For instance, every 10% reduction in aerodynamic drag yields up to a 5.8% fuel savings, according to NHTSA report. Similarly, optimizing rolling resistance contributes an additional 1.3% to 2.3% improvement in fuel economy. Simply put, slower speeds mean fewer fuel stops, lower operating costs, and higher margins.

Example: Impact on a 10-Truck Fleet

Consider a fleet of 10 trucks, each traveling 100,000 miles annually. If slowing down from 65 mph to 60 mph improves fuel efficiency by just 5%, and each truck averages 6.0 miles per gallon (mpg) at 65 mph versus 6.3 mpg at 60 mph:

At 65 mph: 100,000 miles / 6.0 mpg = 16,666 gallons per truck annually.
At 60 mph: 100,000 miles / 6.3 mpg = 15,873 gallons per truck annually.

Fuel saved per truck: 793 gallons. 
Across 10 trucks: 7,930 gallons saved per year. 

Assuming $4.00 per gallon, this equates to $31,720 in annual fuel savings for the fleet. 

Additionally, reduced accident rates and lower insurance premiums could conservatively save another $50,000 to $100,000 annually, factoring fewer claims, less downtime, and improved insurance renewals. Over five years, these savings could exceed $400,000—boosting profitability and enhancing business stability.

Road Safety: Reducing Frequency and Severity of Accidents

Data from national and international studies consistently link higher speed limits to greater crash frequency and severity. Each 5 mph increase in speed limits correlates with an 8% rise in fatalities on highways, according to an IIHS study. Conversely, reducing speed limits by even 5 mph on arterial roads has been shown to lower injury crashes by up to 20%. For trucking companies, fewer accidents translate to fewer claims, lower liability exposure, and enhanced reputation for safety.

Insurance Premiums: Rewarding Safe Practices

Insurance companies price risk based on historical data and predictive modeling. Transportation carriers that demonstrate lower accident rates through controlled speed policies often see material reductions in their insurance premiums. With crash frequency rising 5% after speed limit increases, maintaining moderate speeds offers tangible leverage in negotiating lower premiums and retaining access to broader insurance markets.

Business Longevity and Profitability

Safer operations lead to lower direct and indirect costs. Fewer accidents reduce downtime, litigation expenses, and driver turnover. Enhanced fuel efficiency preserves cash flow and reduces exposure to volatile fuel markets. Insurance savings, combined with reduced legal and repair costs, directly improve a company's bottom line, ensuring sustainable business practices and longevity.

Conclusion

At STAR Mutual RRG, we’re proud to support trucking companies committed to safer, more sustainable driving practices. Slower driving is not just a matter of safety; it is a strategic business decision. By maintaining moderate speeds, trucking companies can enhance fuel efficiency, significantly reduce accident risk, lower insurance premiums, and achieve stronger, more sustainable profit margins. In today's competitive logistics landscape, slowing down is a smart move forward.