SAFED has been designed as a single day course aimed at improving the safe and fuel-efficient driving techniques of drivers of vans up to 7.5 tonnes. It was developed from a pilot programme carried out during November 2005.

This pilot showed that improved driving skills can reduce fuel use by over 8% and the number of gear changes by over 50%. This improved driving style is expected to reduce driver stress and the number of accidents.

By 31st March 2007, the SAFED programme aims to:
• Provide specialist SAFED training for 200 van trainers
• Develop the driving skills of 3,500 van drivers

Trainers Can Take Part
There are two types of trainers who can take part in the SAFED programme. Prospective trainers must be based in England.

1 . Commercial Training Providers
Driver trainers wishing to deliver the full SAFED course on a commercial basis must be Approved Driver Instructors (ADI) Fleet Registered and have achieved an excellent grade in the SAFED training assessment.

2. In-house Driver Trainers and Assessors
The Road Traffic Act requires that anyone providing paid in-vehicle driver training in vans (Category B) is on the DSA Register of Approved Driving Instructors (ADI). In-house trainers wishing to deliver the full SAFED course, on behalf of their employers, therefore must be ADIs and have achieved an excellent grade in the SAFED training assessment.

Any driver can attend a SAFED training course.
To take part in SAFED training you must:
• Drive for a company based in England, or be a resident in England
• Hold a valid driving licence, including Category B or C1 entitlements

 

Benefits of Taking Part

Benefits for trainers
• Funding provided while developing a new market
• Improved added value service to clients
• Acquiring additional skills
• Two-day training course provided
• Material supplied to help deliver training
• Tried and tested methods using a simplified approach

Benefits for drivers
• Reduced risk of accidents whilst driving
• Reduced stress levels and enhanced satisfaction of driving
• Increased confidence in vehicle control and driving technique
• Job efficiency and professionalism
• Potential financial incentives

Benefits for employers (owner-drivers and fleet operators)
• Reduced accidents
• Less vehicle down time due to a reduction in accidents
• Reduced fuel spend
• Increased productivity and vehicle utilisation
• Improved resale value of vehicles
• Reduced running costs (particularly relating to maintenance and tyres)
• Potential reductions in insurance premiums
• Reduced environmental impact

Costs
There is no charge to drivers from small companies. Drivers from medium-sized
companies who provide their own van will also receive training free of charge.
A small fee applies to other participants.

About SAFED for Vans
The SAFED programme is designed to help anyone who drives a van as part of their job to improve their safe and fuel efficient driving techniques.

A series of SAFED training days for trainers and van drivers is currently underway in England. The programme is supported by the Department for Transport (DfT) and funding for training is available until 31st March 2007.

It is intended that SAFED training will still be commercially available after that date. Training is based on a new DfT sponsored publication, SAFED for Vans - A Guide to Safe and Fuel Efficient Driving, published by the Freight Best Practice programme.

This free publication is available through the Hotline on 0845 877 0 877 or info@freightbestpractice.org.uk or via the website at www.freightbestpractice.org.uk.

Source: www.safed.org.uk

Author: Fleet News