The SAFED for Vans initiative (Safe And Fuel Efficient Driving) was set up in January 2006 to provide free or very low cost training to van drivers. Funded by the Department for Transport (DfT), SAFED for Vans enables both individual van drivers and corporate organisations with van fleets to improve road safety and fuel economy. The scheme will be funded and supported by the Department of Transport until March 2010.
The new scheme follows a very successful pilot project, conducted during 2005, that found significant financial and environmental gains could be made by using advanced driving techniques without any noticeable impact on delivery times.
The benefits for a driver and van:
Fewer accidents, lower insurance premiums, lower running costs and higher residual value of
vehicles and a reduction in damaged goods carried by trained drivers.
Benefits for the driver:
Benefits for the Company/Fleet Operator:
The one day course is a mix of classroom and on-the-road tuition and teaches the use of advanced driving techniques such as correct use of gears (avoiding over-revving and use of block gear changing), correct braking technique, (smooth braking), fuel economy and better road awareness (good forward planning). It is a very successful blend of assessment and training that fully involves the driver in the whole process. Training will be carried out in a driver's usual vehicle. At the end of the training day the driver will receive a full debrief and a certificate of achievement.