What is SAFED?
The Safe and Fuel Efficient Driving (SAFED) programme was designed some 3 years ago by a consortium of leading industry specialists to help drivers improve their safe and fuel efficient driving techniques.
SAFED initially offered driver training for one-year period but in light of the positive results achieved, the Department for Transport extended the funding so eventually a total of 6000 drivers and 375 instructors were trained to this industry standard.
The SAFED programme demonstrated the following benefits:
- Average fuel saving of 10%
- Average gear change reductions of 36.90%
- Reduced CO2 emissions
- Increased defensive driving skills
The Safe and Fuel Efficient Driving guide was introduced published in May 2003 and is aimed at improving the safe and fuel efficient driving techniques of heavy goods vehicle (HGV / LGV) drivers.
Completing the SAFED training programme and seeing the initial benefits are however, only part of the story. Companies need to take further action if they are to sustain the early savings and indeed surpass them.
