World class driver development course launched in New Zealand

SAFED NZ (Safe and Fuel Efficient Driving New Zealand), a driver development course for truck, bus and coach drivers, has been officially launched by the Ministry of Transport and the NZ Transport Agency this week.

SAFED NZ teaches drivers fuel efficient driving techniques which can reduce fuel and maintenance costs by up to 10 percent, while reducing CO₂  emissions.

A fuel efficient driving style is also closely linked with improved road safety. Adopting simple fuel efficient driving techniques gives drivers more time to identify hazards and react to them.

“With freight predicted to double by 2040, SAFED NZ will equip heavy vehicle drivers with skills to keep them and other road users safe,” said Bruce Johnson, General Manager Aviation and Maritime, Ministry of Transport. 

“Fuel savings of up to 10 percent will also greatly improve the cashflow and productivity of organisations who adopt SAFED techniques, resulting in a positive flow-on effect to our economy.”

SAFED NZ has been adapted from a successful scheme in the United Kingdom, which has been offered on a commercial basis for over six years and has trained more than 20,000 drivers.

The course will be offered across the country by nine senior SAFED NZ instructors, who have been trained by the UK based SAFED trainer, John Boocock. The senior instructors, who have many years of driving and driver training experience, saved five percent of their fuel use during their SAFED NZ training, as well as reducing trip time and brake wear.

SAFED NZ has been developed and implemented by the Ministry of Transport and the NZ Transport Agency. It is supported by the Bus and Coach Association, New Zealand Contractors’ Federation and the Road Transport Forum. 

The Energy Efficiency Conservation Authority (EECA) plans to integrate SAFED into its business transport programme.

“The availability of the SAFED training provides an excellent opportunity for New Zealand businesses to reduce fuel costs and decrease overall fuel use in New Zealand,” EECA Business Manager Murray Bell said.  

“The programme has particular relevance for the tourism sector and EECA is actively working with the Bus and Coach Association to assist the roll-out of this training to its members,” Mr Bell said. 

EECA has already assisted three organisations to benefit from the training, through a promotional draw which was won by Straight Freight Ltd (Wellington), Bus Travel New Zealand (Auckland) and Calcon Ltd (Christchurch).

Drivers and organisations who are interested in taking part in the SAFED NZ driver development course can visit www.safednz.govt.nz for more information, or to find their nearest instructor.