Late last year, Shell conducted a social driving experiment in the Philippines covering Manila, Cebu, and Davao. Called the “Shell Driving Experiment,” it was part of a worldwide study that used cutting-edge emotion-tracking technology, mobile apps, and real-time weather and traffic information to gather driving data. Experts from Goldsmiths, University of London monitored the data to measure and compare the driver performance from each of the participating countries.
The results of the study were revealed last February 27, in Shell’s “What Drives You“ event in Makati City. Dr. Cleary Ahern from Goldsmiths, University of London revealed that the Filipino drivers achieved the highest performance score in the worldwide study, besting other countries including Germany. The test was done in eleven countries and joined by more than 2,000 test subjects driving over 15,000 journeys. These were real drivers, in everyday journeys, in real time.
The Filipino drivers have proven that we are the most efficient drivers in the world. Facing a difficult task of dealing with challenging traffic conditions, the Filipino drivers overcame long commutes, bad traffic, and often times, bad road conditions to come out on top of the score sheets. Filipinos recorded smoother journeys with fewer instances of harsh acceleration or braking that results in a more efficient style of driving.
The study also showed that stress has a big impact on driving performance. People who drive to work are under more stress than those on personal trips. Gender has no effect on how a person drives. Instead, it was learned that an individual’s personality would be the dictating factor of one’s driving style.
Two high performing personality types among Filipino drivers were uncovered in the study: The Modern Man and the Gamma Woman. Exemplified by guests such as international female racer Michelle Bumgarner, the Gamma Woman has emotional stability on and off the road, leading to exceptional driving performance scores. Actor and motoring enthusiast Jericho Rosales represented the Modern Man who is sensitive and ambitious, has a well-balanced emotional state behind the wheel and can adapt to any situation in life or on the road.
Diet and health guru Nadine Tenco explained how hunger greatly affects driving performance. Participants of the study who reported feeling hungry during their journey had lower performance scores. Proper hydration is also a factor that drivers should consider, as it is very easy to become dehydrated, and that makes the drivers lose focus.
The Shell Driving Experiment is part of Shell’s effort to understand the changing needs of their customers. It helps them create better products and services, develop new fuels, and expand Shell’s non-fuel offerings at Shell Select. Shell’s goal is to make life’s journeys better for every Filipino on the road.