Age and gender difference in driving style and fuel efficiency on highway driving

Abstract

This study aims to comparatively analyze the effects of drivers’ characteristics such as age, gender, and driving style on fuel efficiency. In order to compare age and gender differences in driving style, fuel efficiency and effectiveness of ecodriving education, 52 drivers were participated in field operational experiments. The driver’s age and gender were counterbalanced. The participants were asked to drive approximately 10km on the highway according to their daily driving style, and the fuel efficiency and driving behaviour were collected . As a result, it was found that there was a significant difference in the driving fuel efficiency on the highway depending on the age and gender. The difference in driving styles that reflected the age and gender affected the fuel efficiency on the expressway. The result suggested that the age and gender should be taken into consideration in eco-driving education or assistant system development to maximize the effects by providing customized coaching strategy.