| SAFED Technique is a Winner! |
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SAFED (Safe And Fuel Efficient Driving) techniques proved to be the key success factor in the GreenFleet Capital Fuel Challenge held in July 2008.
Two SAFED trained and qualified drivers took to the streets of London in a Citroen C2 Diesel van to compete against 23 other teams in an ambitious treasure-hunt challenge in which participants had to negotiate their way across London to pick up objects from four checkpoints, travelling a minimum of 24 miles. Winners were selected from teams who achieved the best results for producing as little CO2 as possible and using the least energy. The results, which were announced last week revealed that SAFED achieved a place in the top five of the Private Sector category and also came top for diesel vehicles in the same category despite having travelled an additional two miles more than the next best performing diesel entry. SAFED team driver and Marketing Manager, Tonia Smreczak said “This challenge was a great way to demonstrate the impact SAFED can have on your environmental performance and - importantly - your fuel costs. The challenge highlighted the problems that many van drivers face up and down the country every day – heavy traffic which meant there was a lot of stopping and starting, numerous hazards to watch out for, and we were on a time limit. For us, SAFED training meant that we had the skills to compensate for these difficulties, and we could ensure a positive result using a range of advanced driving techniques, such as using fewer gear changes, softer acceleration and braking and better distance management from other road users”. As a result of the GreenFleet Capital Fuel Challenge win, SAFED is now eligible to win the prestigious Transport for London Capital Fleet of the Year, which will be announced at the GreenFleet Awards on September 25th 2008. SAFED is a driver development programme aimed at improving safe and fuel-efficient driving techniques. SAFED has been seen to achieve a significant reduction in fuel consumption - an average 16% saving on the training day. SAFED training is currently available for light commercial vehicle (LCV) drivers, aggregates vehicle drivers and heavy goods vehicle drivers with part funding available from the Government for LCVs and aggregates drivers. To find out more about how business benefits can be gained from SAFED training get in touch via our 'Contact us' page, or visit www.safed.org.uk or call the SAFED Helpline on 0870 190 8440. SAFED News Release dated 15/08/2008. |
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