Race to be considerate

A NEW gadget that fits on cars and vans could improve driving standards by having families and friends compete against each other to be the best and most considerate motorist.

An innovative connected car product called Lightfoot uses F1 technology to help drivers find their ‘sweet spot’ and even test their abilities in a league format. People who sign up could win prizes, cut costs on fuel and repairs with the added bonus of helping to save lives and the planet, its makers claim.

Mark Roberts, pictured above, founder and CEO of the British company, said: “Most of us are really excited about the big technologies that are hopefully going to make the planet more sustainable in the future. The beauty of Lightfoot is that it’s a tiny device that can go into most existing cars now and make a dramatic impact.

“Lightfoot helps you to track and improve your driving skills, using ‘connected car’ technology, and helps you to maximise your score to win prizes!”

The device, which retails at around BD50 and is currently only available in the UK, listens to a vehicle’s control systems and feeds back to help the driver. The aim is to cut down bad driving habits frequently witnessed on the roads of Bahrain and the device may be available locally in the near future.

“Unfortunately, we are only operating in the UK at this stage but there is much interest in the product and we hope that will change shortly,” marketing director Tony Harbron told GulfWeekly.

Every engine has a ‘sweet spot’, offering maximum performance for the minimum effort. Lightfoot constantly monitors progress and if the driver moves away from the sweet spot it gives a gentle vocal nudge to allow the driver to get back to efficient driving without damaging their score.

Initial trials have shown a reduction in fuel consumption by 15 per cent and accidents cut by 40 per cent in a ‘fun, social and engaging’ way. It also significantly reduced emissions of harmful CO2. A typical driver will save over 700kg of CO2 per year.

“The majority of people who drive with Lightfoot quickly and sustainably achieve our ‘Elite Driver’ level, whereas only three per cent of non-Lightfoot drivers achieve the same standard,” Mark added.

“Growing the number of ‘Elite Drivers’ is what really drives us – it means our roads are cleaner, greener and safer. What’s more, ‘Elite Drivers’ are the ones getting the biggest benefits - they save the most money, are least likely to be in an accident and earn rewards, recognition and incentives.”

The majority of drivers achieve the elite level week in or week out which means they are going to be saving significant amounts of money, enjoying more relaxed and safer driving and remain eligible for incentives and prizes.

“As a Lightfoot driver you will get to compete in our leagues to win prizes and incentives. You will also be able to set up your own private leagues so you can compete against your friends, family and colleagues,” explained Mark.

“Every week league winners and runners-up will be notified by email of their success and receive badges on their Lightfoot dashboard.

“No driver is perfect. Even with the best of intentions, we all pick up bad driving habits. However, some of these habits are not only bad for your car, but put yourself and other road-users at risk of an accident.

“Dangerous driving is not only bad for public safety but it can also damage your car severely – both through general wear-and-tear and the very real possibility of an accident.”

Things to avoid

- Tailgating. Following the car in front too closely is dangerous, particularly in heavy traffic. It means that if they have to brake suddenly, there just isn’t enough time for you to stop safely. 

It’s recommended that you leave at least two seconds of ‘reaction time’ between you and the car in front.

- Reckless Overtaking (and undertaking). You’re in a rush – it’s the 21st Century after all – but this just isn’t an excuse. Pulling out to overtake at the last second can put the drivers in both lanes in huge danger. With both streams of traffic having to take evasive action, slowing down or swerving, the likelihood of a serious collision is high. Over-taking should be done only when you are confident it is 100 per cent safe to do so.

- Sudden Braking. Applying the brakes suddenly over a short distance when driving at high speeds can cause the car’s brake discs to overheat and warp. Over time, this will cause much more wear than usual. Next time you can see the traffic lights up ahead have turned to red, try slowing down smoothly and steadily, rather than rushing up to them and slamming on the brakes. Your brake discs will thank you!

- Riding the Brake. Another cause of wear on the brakes is by riding the brake pedal, as the build-up of kinetic energy wears out the pads. Riding the clutch causes similar problems, as the friction between the plates and pressure pads wears away the clutch.

- Driving over potholes and speed bumps. We all despise potholes, speed bumps and uneven road services, but this doesn’t mean you should drive over them as fast as you can. Potholes can crack your tyres, harm the suspension and buckle the wheels. Similarly, failing to slow down for speed bumps will cause damage to the car’s suspension, exhaust system and tyres, resulting in huge repair bills.

- Unnecessary acceleration. Ever noticed how even if someone overtakes you, zooming off in an attempt to remake F1 drivers Hamilton and Vettel’s latest race for the first corner – you meet them again at the traffic lights? Harsh acceleration to get up to cruising speed wastes fuel and puts unnecessary wear on the engine.

“Avoiding the above driving sins can do wonders for not only the health of your car and bank balance, but also the safety of everyone on the road, including your own,” added Mark. “Changing your behaviour and making conscious decisions when driving will make your motoring experience safer and more relaxing.”

That’s true at home or abroad.