Safety on the Road Some Reminders by our guest author from Milestone Operations
In recent years there has been a marked increase in the investment from the Government into Road Safety campaigns. And with the on-going encouragement to get more people cycling instead of driving the need to educate all road users in all areas is far greater. There are a large number of potentially fatal hazards associated with driving – so here are some ways to help you drive as safely as possible…
Driver in a Mitsubishi Galant using a hand held mobile phone violating New York State law. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Refresher Course – refresher courses are an excellent way for drivers who have taken a break from the trucking industry to get back into the swing of things.
Alcohol – any amount of alcohol affects your ability to drive. If you have had alcohol within the past few hours it is advisable to seek another way home – always have a taxi number in your phone.
Mobile Phones – using a mobile phone while driving means you’re 4 times more likely to crash. It is also illegal. If you must be on the phone while traveling then always use a hands-free.
Tiredness – an estimated 20% of accidents on trunk roads and motorways are sleep-related – all those signs you see on the roadside about take a break? They are there for a reason! Don’t drive tired!
Seatbelt – not wearing a seatbelt can be fatal both for the driver and for passengers (even if you are sitting in the back seat).
Speed – speed limits are there for a reason, getting somewhere a few minutes faster is not worth risking a life over.
Physical modifications – Heavy vehicles or HGVs have limited visibility from the drivers cab but there are a few ways in which to improve it. You could add a side-guard, side sensor or mirror system to your truck.
Safety first because driver injury hurts everyone
The key thing though is Awareness. Being aware of other road users is one of the most effective ways to drive safely so here are some tips… Indicate well in advance of turning so anyone coming up beside you knows you will soon cross their path. Pass horses and riders slow and wide on country roads. Adapt your style of driving to the weather conditions – driving when the road is icy is worlds away from how you drive in dry weather. Know the height, weight and width of your vehicle – you don’t want to be one of those people pictured with their truck stuck under a bridge….
Safety should always be a priority for all drivers including heavy vehicle or HGV drivers – Fact.
From the perspective of other Road Users:
Can the driver see you? If you can’t see a wing mirror on a truck then the driver can’t see you – it is as simple as that. Don’t take a risk, make sure the driver can see you if you mean to pass him and take extra caution at traffic junctions.
HGVs have different stopping and turning distances. Heavy vehicles are larger and heavier than other road vehicles so naturally they take longer to come to a halt. And with a longer vehicle length they require far more room than a car to turn.
Wearing high-visibility clothing means that as a cyclist/pedestrian etc. you STAND OUT to drivers. Reflective clothing is not just for when it is dark – it is still effective in daylight.
Finally a little bit about Milestone…
Milestone Operations is a Recruitment company specialising primarily in LGV driving work, we also have several Industrial and Commercial opportunities. This year at the Recruiter Awards for Excellence, Milestone were voted ‘Best Temporary Recruitment Agency of the year’. The company has gone from strength to strength in the last few years, experiencing rapid growth. We also have strong links with leading names in the logistics industry including DHL, Eddie Stobart and Norbert Dentressangle. Check out www.milestoneops.com/what-we-do for more information.
