SAFED

SAFED is entirely voluntary and focussed on reducing carbon emissions and saving money. The programme enables drivers to improve their fuel efficiency by using gears better, avoiding over-revving the engine and maintaining a better distance from vehicles in front by not dabbing at the brakes, as well as better road awareness. Other benefits for businesses include prolonging the life of the van.

Having already trained 10,000 van drivers and 318 trainers since 2006 in England, SAFED for Vans boasts a 9,000 tonne annual reduction in carbon emissions, on the day mpg improvements of nearly 16% and potential annual fuel savings of £3.315million, which is an average of £425 per van driver per year. All this can be achieved without extending journey times.
 
It is also expected that improvements in safety as a result of SAFED training will reduce the number of accidents, reduce the stress on drivers and ultimately reduce insurance premiums. Company case studies will be published highlighting the actual benefits to participants in Scotland that result from driver development training.

Fleet Operators / Drivers 

Why get SAFED trained?

If you are a fleet operator or a van driver there are a number of benefits to SAFED for van training.

For fleet operators these include:
 
Reduced fuel costs through more efficient driving style
Reduced accidents by the fleet with associated reduced costs
No negative impact on journey time
Motivated drivers who have received high quality training
Introduction to improved fuel management practices to help improve the management of the fleet
Reduced maintenance requirement through improved vehicle sympathy
For drivers these benefits include:
 
More fuel efficient driving
Less stressful driving techniques
Less chance of accidents
No negative impact on journey time
The techniques taught can be adopted for use in your own private car, hence personal financial benefits