SAFED trains 7,500 drivers
A total of 7,500 van drivers should now be driving more safely and fuel-efficiently after being trained under the Department for Transport-s £2.5 million Safe and Fuel Efficient Drivers (SaFED) project...
A SAFED trainer advises on the importance of checking under a van's bonnet
Now the Government-funded initiative has finished, it is to be offered by programme operator Momenta on a commercial basis to all light commercial vehicle operators. Exact details of how the new scheme will operate had still to be announced as RoadSafe went to press. Claire Shrewsbury, SAFED programme manager, said: "SAFED training is providing some impressive results, showing that on average, drivers trained in the SAFED way can improve their MPG by over 15%, reduce the number of time they change gear by nearly 35% and reduce the number of demonstrated faults by an impressive 60% all without any major impact on the journey time."
While emphasising the 'green' approach to driving, safer driving means less injuries and fatalities on the roads, less accident damage to vehicles, reduced unproductive downtime for vehicle repair and lower insurance premiums.
The 300 SaFED trained instructors will be available to continue to teach the SaFED message to businesses with the launch of the commercial operation.
Further information is available on 0870 190 8440, www.safed.org.uk or email vans@safed.org.uk