The Pilot Study

The pilot phase trained a total of 25 drivers over from late September into November 2005. The study was completed in two phases.

During the lead up to the pilot a training programme was designed that is workable and follows the principals of SAFED. The training programme is similar to that outlined in the LCV SAFED guide. It retains many of the concepts that have proved to be successful, and develops the areas that are exclusive to van drivers. This training was discussed at two stakeholder meetings with other industry experts to finalise the LCV SAFED guide.

Some of the findings and results from the pilot study are listed below:

	The first six drivers were assessed in their own vehicles with the fuel consumption being logged at the fuel pump
	The remaining nineteen drivers were trained and assessed in a van fitted with a fuel monitoring device supplied by LDV Group
	Fuel use dropped in twenty three of the twenty five drivers assessed
	Fuel consumption in Phase One reduced by approximately 12%
	Fuel consumption in Phase Two reduced by approximately 8%
	Giving a total of approximately 10% fuel use reduction over the whole of the pilot study
	The average journey length was nine miles, covering predominately urban and rural roads
	The assessment drives lasted approximately twenty five minutes and followed the same route on both occasions for continuity
	There was no increase in the time the route took to complete (apart from two drivers caught in traffic) and in some cases the timing of the route reduced
	Gear changing was reduced by an average of 59% over the pilot phase

Additional and Projected Benefits

There are numerous benefits that are evident from the SAFED Programme, some of which have been mentioned above, namely fuel economy, no increase in journey length and a reduction in gear use. However additional benefits include a very positive response from the drivers in relation to stress levels being lowered, the ease at which the training techniques can be adopted and continued. Driver’s reported that their fatigue levels were also reduced as a result of doing less physical work in the vehicle and by having greater control on the approach to hazards. Due to them having more time to assess the actions of other drivers, the drivers reported the style of driving was less mentally demanding than stop/start driving.

In the long term, if the SAFED style of driving and fuel monitoring is upheld, there could be significant changes in the running costs of a van fleet. Accident rates within a fleet of vans can be reduced if the driver can keep the driving style introduced during the SAFED Course going. Parking and manoeuvring incidents can also be lowered following this programme as many drivers have never had any formal training in manoeuvring a vehicle of this size. The course gives the driver greater awareness of how to handle the vehicle size and a better appreciation of the difficulties in manoeuvring in tight spaces with limited all round visibility.

With the large reduction in gear use, clutches and gearboxes should last longer; in addition to brakes and tyre wear reducing as a result of less stop/start driving.

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