‘Being green’ or ‘going green’ is no longer a choice, but rather a necessity which is enforced by a recent UN annual emissions gap report which shows that emissions have gone up by 1.5% per year in the last decade. Eco driving (fuel efficient driving) contributes to fuel savings, helps to reduce carbon emissions and improves air quality.
Members of the Roadwise Driver Training team were pleased to take part in the River Church Banff Harvest Environment Awareness Project Eco-Driving Day on November 23. This organisation has been awarded a grant from the Scottish Government's Climate Challenge Fund which has allowed the harvest environment awareness project, a local community project to be created. Part of the project activities are aimed at adopting a ‘Wise Travelling’ culture that embraces fuel efficient driving principles which in turn will help to achieve energy conservation and sustainability.
During the Eco-Driving Day participants engaged in a presentation focusing on defensive driving principles, filled in online risk assessment profilers showcasing driver behavioural traits and attitudes towards driving and took part in on-road training focused on reducing fuel consumption.
Lead Roadwise fuel efficiency trainer Kenny Mclean and managing director Dave Watson were pleased with the engagement received in the local community and especially with the great results (fuel savings) achieved during the on-road training part. The overall result across all participants was rather impressive – collectively they achieved over 13% fuel savings as a short-term measure and on average proved they could save up to 4.6% fuel on a long-term basis.
The Harvest Environment Awareness Project is a great example of how people can make a difference in their local communities and take ownership of their future. Anonymous feedback from participants was extremely positive:
“The presenters engaged well with the participants combining anecdotes with facts and they made all the participants feel valued. The content was relatable and relevant and gave advice that could be applied. I have already been putting into practice what I was taught. A thoroughly enjoyable day.”
“I really enjoyed the eco- driving sessions since they not only informed me but also allowed me to reflect on my own attitude to driving. The content was engaging and the use of examples by the presenters complimented this well. The easy manner and relatability of Dave and Kenny made the whole day gel. The facilities were well laid out and the provision of refreshments and biscuits most welcome. The most significant part of the day for me was the driving session in the afternoon as it has been over 30 years since a professional has looked at my driving! After driving the same route with an eco-friendly approach, I found out I had increased my mileage by 13%, which means that for me I would save approx. £7 on a tank of petrol. A brilliant day, so worthwhile”
“I liked the presenters, the laid-back vibe and easy interaction. David’s input from his long experience was very valuable. The Harvest Centre facilities are excellent. It was good to be reminded of good driving practice and learn that cars have come on so much that some of my thinking was quite simply out of date. I’ll enjoy putting what I learned into practice”
“I enjoyed the course and did learn from it. Learned not to take risks at junctions!! To leave a good distance between me and the car in front. Liked the anecdotes from Dave. Thought presentation was good although it could have been a bit shorter.”
“I really enjoyed the event, was a bit apprehensive when I learned that we had a 2-hour presentation in the morning, but the content and delivery was excellent and the time flew by. Great use of different sources of information to get the points across. I enjoyed also taking the online behavioural assessment and was greatly appreciative of the feedback on my personal scores, lots to reflect on. I also gained a lot from the driving session on the road and I am now able to put what I have learned into practice with real measurable results that will save money. The facilities were also excellent, thanks for the lovely biscuits and coffee. I would recommend this event to anyone in the future and also would like to thank Dave and Kenny from Roadwise especially”.
Roadwise regularly engages in fuel efficient driver training with companies, communities and individuals. Vehicle operators are under increasing pressure to include environmental considerations in their management decisions and we can help their drivers to become more eco-aware by giving them tools to reduce fuel consumption and improve fuel performance. For more information please get in touch on 01224 373870, 08000 151 642, info@roadwisedrivertraining.co.uk or connect with us on our social media channels. For more information on the HEAP community project, please contact servicescco@riverchurches.org.uk
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