|
March 2016 To avoid a turnover it is best to check out the following:
All Drivers must pay particular attention to speed limits. While 30 kph may seem too slow for some vehicles, it is very important that all Drivers observe the speed limit regardless of the vehicle they are driving. This will deter inexperienced HGV Drivers from feeling that they are holding up traffic by driving at what seems such a slow speed. The Virginia Tech Transportation Institute pioneered the naturalistic driving study, a method which involves putting volunteer participants in vehicles fitted with unobtrusive instrumentation which include cameras, sensors, and radar, that continuously collect real-world driver performance and behaviour data, from the time the drivers turn on the ignition to the time they turn it off. Using this method of research, the Institute have recently published some results that when you read them you say, “well I can see how that may be the case” however on reflection you can see that the results are actually quite shocking. Virginia Tech Transportation Institute Research Report Drivers increase their crash risk nearly tenfold when they get behind the wheel while observably angry, sad, crying, or emotionally agitated, according to Virginia Tech Transportation Institute researchers. They also reported that drivers more than double their crash risk when they choose to engage in distracting activities that require them to take their eyes off the road, such as using a handheld cell phone, reading or writing, or using touchscreen menus on a vehicle instrument pane. And, according to the institute’s research, drivers engage in some type of distracting activity more than 50 percent of the time they are driving. “These findings are important because we see a younger population of drivers, particularly teens, who are more prone to engaging in distracting activities while driving,” said Tom Dingus, lead author of the study and director of the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute. “Our analysis shows that, if we take no steps in the near future to limit the number of distracting activities in a vehicle, those who represent the next generation of drivers will only continue to be at greater risk of a crash.” Virginia Tech Transportation Institute researchers used results from the Second Strategic Highway Research Program Naturalistic Driving Study, the largest light-vehicle naturalistic driving study ever conducted with more than 3,500 participants across six data collection sites in the United States. The study represents the largest naturalistic crash database available to date, with more than 1,600 verified crash events ranging in severity from low, such as tire and curb strikes, to severe, including police-reportable crashes.
January 28th 2016
It has been reported that the Road Safety Authority (RSA) wants the Government to consider graduated fines for speeding motorists based on an ability to pay. Moyagh Murdock, the RSA’s chief executive said last month that the agency plans to submit a proposal on graduated fines to the Department of Transport as part of a wider series of measures designed to combat drivers who repeatedly breach road traffic laws. Part of the reason for seeking higher fines for wealthier drivers was research carried out on behalf of the RSA which showed more affluent drivers had a higher than average predisposition to violate road safety rules. Interestingly the Finnish have a system where they link fines to income. In a much publicised case last February when, Reima Kuisla, a wealthy businessman was fined EUR 54,024 for travelling at 103km/h in an 80km/h zone. The fine was calculated based on his 2013 tax return which showed a EUR 6.5 million income for that year. If that’s the case drivers on minimum wage here will see the cost of your speeding fine double, while those of you on more than minimum wage might consider a new line of work. |
Container Turnover M50 Red Cow North
Cement Mixer M50 Red Cow
Picture Courtesy of the RSA
M1 South Bound
Fines in Finland are based on earnings. The more you earn the more you pay. would this system work in Ireland? If you have an opinion check put it up on the blog page now….BLOG
|
|
January 11th 2016 Our deepest sympathies go out to the Families, Friends and Colleagues of the two Drivers who lost their lives so tragically this morning in Co. Monaghan. They were the sole occupants of the Rigid and Artic which collided on the N2 Between Castleblyaney and Carrickmacross at approximately 06.00 this morning. A full investigation is underway to determine the cause of the accident. Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to contact Carrickmacross Garda Station on 042-969-0190, the Garda Confidential Telephone Line 1800-666-111 or any Garda Station. |
A Tragic Loss Of Two Drivers Lives
|
Don’t Get Blown Away With the Arrival of Winter
For the Professional Driver harsh driving conditions are both physically and mentally demanding. There are a number of concerns for Drivers but the main one for most Professional Drivers is when to go and when to stay put. While the RSA and the AA will tell you to use ‘Caution’ and ‘Only travel when it is absolutely necessary’ Professional Drivers are very aware of their responsibility to ensure that if they do travel that they take all of the necessary precautions to ensure their safety and the safety of other road users. The pressures on the driver can be great, they are aware that raw materials have to get to factories ensure that they remain open and that fuel deliveries, essential food deliveries, milk collections and the like have to be made regardless of weather conditions. The onus is on the Professional Driver to make the travel call. However can it be a little unfair to place such a responsibility on the individual driver to make that call?
The Professional Driver is not just concerned about the Driving conditions that effect the stability of their vehicle on the road but they are also aware of the conditions that other roads users are. It is not alone the driving conditions that the Driver has to cope with but they have to cope with the loading and unloading of goods in these conditions. They also have to make decisions as to where to park up for breaks and daily rest to keep compliant with Drivers Hours regulations.
10 Top Tips For Professional Drivers
- Be prepared for the unexpected. You might have to stay out longer than planned so make sure you have the water and food to sustain you in the event of you getting held up in an isolated area. Pack extra clothing in the event of you getting very wet while loading or outside.
- Keeping you speed down will increase vehicle stability and reduce fuel consumption.
- Its wind gusting that destabilises you vehicle. Exposed areas, such as on high ground or bridges are more susceptible to wind gusting. And you can get caught out very quickly. Always keep both hands on the wheel and reduce speed in these areas.
- While high sides vehicles are more difficult to manage in high wind conditions. Drivers of Car Transporters are only too aware of the damage that debris from trees and roof tops can do to shiny new cars.
- When driving on very wet roads make sure that you keep your wheel spray low by decreasing speed. This will stop the spray from reducing the visibility of other motorists. Remember not all drivers on the road are accomplished, there are plenty of inexperienced and novice drivers out there.
- Make sure you have good visibility and that you can also be clearly seen by other road users. This might mean packing extra cleaning cloth to keep side markings, light lenses and mirrors clean.
- In built up areas you have to give extra room for cyclists and pedestrians to make mistakes, they can easily be blown off course so give them plenty of room.
- When opening cab doors or trailer doors be mindful of wind direction and wind force. Once a strong wind gets hold of a door you may not be able to stop it from moving. It is essential that you secure trainer and body doors firmly when opened. Again extras caution should be taken when loading and unloading any item with a large surface area. Particularly dangerous are curtain siders when they are unsecured and the wind starts blowing them about. They will easily take a person off their feet or knock them to the ground.
- Remember outside noise levels increase substantially in the wet. You won’t hear normal engine, transmission or tyre noise. Therefore extra attention should be paid to your instrument readings, oil pressure, turbo pressure, engine temperature, transmission oil temp and any other dial or digital readings that are available to you. When out side your vehicle, check wheel hubs for signs of over heating.
- Remember its better to arrive at your delivery or collection depot later than scheduled than to arrive at your life’s final destination earlier than planned!
|
Kerry 2014
|
|
Scotland 2013 |
|
|
|
England and Wales introduce new anti-drug driving laws
Approximately 200 deaths a year occur in the UK as a result of drug driving. This law defines the limits for many prescribed drugs that can effect driving, which clarifies the position for drivers who take certain medications. It is important to be aware that many over-the-counter and prescription medications can impair a driver’s ability to react and increase drowsiness making them unfit to drive and a danger on the road. Before taking any medication, it is of huge importance that drivers ask the pharmacist or doctor if the medication can effect driving ability and that they always read the label.
Ireland, UK and Denmark postpone implementation of cross border traffic penalty laws for 2 years
Non-resident drivers account for approximately 5% of road traffic in the EU but are responsible for 15% of speeding offences, according to European Commission figures. The law is expected to save at least 400 lives a year.
The new rules cover offences including speeding, drink driving, using a mobile phone at the wheel and ignoring red lights.
Antonio Avenoso, Executive Director of the European Transport Safety Council (ETSC) said:
“Today’s vote will help put an end to the injustice of foreign drivers escaping traffic penalties while locals get punished for the same offence. This is a long overdue change. The deterrent effect is important, knowing that you can be caught plays a key role in preventing dangerous driving.”
The law will come into effect in most EU countries later this year; Denmark, Ireland and the UK will have two additional years. Those three countries opted-out of an earlier version of the rules, but agreed to back a new proposal after the European Court of Justice ruled last year that the legal basis had to be changed. The rules are also set to be reviewed in 2016.
TISPOL General Secretary Ruth Purdie commented:
“The next step will be to improve enforcement of traffic laws across the EU, starting with minimum standards for large-scale, regular and visible police enforcement actions on the three main causes of death: speeding, failure to wear a seat belt and drink driving.”
The European Parliament’s vote is the culmination of a seven-year legislative process and today’s positive result is thanks in no small part to several MEPs who have fought tirelessly for stronger enforcement of road safety rules across the EU. Inés Ayala Sender, a Spanish MEP, deserves particular credit for shepherding this law through the EU decision-making process since it was first proposed in 2008.
From 8 December a number of new offences incurring penalty points and fixed charges will be introduced and there will be amendments to some existing offences. Drivers should be aware that if you receive 12 points your licence will be taken. Be informed and review the amendments, also print off a copy and have it displayed in your work place. A copy of the new offences can be viewed here. New Penalty Points December 2014
28th August 2013
Artic catches fire on M50.
A driver had a lucky escape when his R420 caught fire on the M50 today. Emergency services were quickly on the scene. The cab was quickly engulfed and thankfully no other road users were injured. The cause of the fire is as of yet unknown but the Fire Service will be carrying out a full investigation . The three lanes of the motorway were closed until fire crews got the blaze under control.
|
An accident in Co. Offaly claims the life of a Truck Driver
23rd August 2013
A 50 year old driver lost his life today when his articulated truck left the road. There are no reports of any other vehicle being involved. The truck left the Bracknagh to Monasterevin Road (L1002) at approximately 8.00am this morning, Friday, August 23. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene. The road was closed and Garda Accident Investigators are conducting a forensic examination at the scene. |
|
Cyclist Killed in Blackrock Co. Dublin
15th august 2013 A tragic accident this morning has cost the life of a young cyclist in Dublin. A truck delivering for Superquinn operated by Wincanton was involved. The circumstances surrounding the accident are not yet clear. Members of the EPDA would like to send out their deepest sympathies to the family, friends and colleagues of the young woman. HGV and coach drivers must take extra care when in the vicinity on |
|
National Transport Authority launches Luas Cross City website
16th May 2013 National Transport Authority launches Luas Cross City website The National Transport Authority today (May 16, 2013) launched www.LuasCrossCity.ie the new Luas project information and updates website – for the public, for businesses and for visitors. The site has been designed to carry increasing amounts of detail as the project progresses, with an easy-to-use Search function so users find what they’re looking for easily and without delay. The National Transport Authority and the Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) will be working with businesses, the public and local interest groups throughout the project, and the new website will help us deliver key information to commuters, customers or tourists as the project progresses. The site will also provide a channel for people to raise their queries or concerns, and we will be able to provide information as required. Throughout the four year programme, all public bodies involved in this project are committed to ensure that our Capital’s vitality and vigour is maintained and enhanced in every way possible; a project website supports this integrated approach. Dublin City Council will play a key role given their overall remit as a local authority. The National Transport Authority and the City Council will shortly appoint a joint Luas Cross City Communications Director to ensure close liaison with city stakeholders. Dublin Bus, who are in contract with the National Transport Authority for the delivery of transport services, also has a key role to play in serving the city throughout the construction period. Significant advance planning has been completed on the re-organisation of bus services to maintain the quality of service that customers expect. Plans are also in place to accommodate deliveries to businesses and efficient car movements throughout the city while the works are on-going. An Garda Síochána are at the heart of all this traffic management planning. |
|
10th April 2013
News from one of our members. A driver working for a well known Dublin haulier was detained by police in the UK today for talking on a phone while driving. The incident occurred in Manchester at 11.30am today when the driver was observed by a patrol car talking on a mobile phone. When the driver was stopped he denied that he was on the phone however the officer was having none of it and arrested him. The driver had to leave his vehicle and the company were informed of the situation. They made immediate arrangements to fly a driver out to take charge of the vehicle. The driver is facing a court appearance and a hefty fine. Driving while on the mobile phone is now being seen as a very serious offence and as any professional driver knows, you are breaking the law, risking your job and more importantly risking the lives of yourself and others if you use a mobile phone while driving. |
|
This is the dramatic moment a driver found himself balanced on |
driver’s hours. We are seeing cases of drivers finding that they unable to drive
because they are not managing their cardscorrectly. The legislation can be
interpreted to deny the driver the right to drive. Is there a problem here?
For professional drivers this is a very big problem here and we will discuss
a particular case in detail on the forum. Follow the discussion here…….
lick here to edit.
value for our time and money. How have you benefited from the training you have received?
Have you any ideas that you would like to put forward that would make the training a more
beneficial experience. Do drivers have into the creation of the courses? Are the courses just a
one sided affair promoting the views of An Garda Siochana, the RSA and the HSA. Do drivers have
an opinion and if they do who will listen? The RSA will be introducing new modules over time. It is
important that you make your opinion known because it counts. You are the person everyone is
concerned about and want the best for you, so let them know what your needs and your wants.
Have your say and visit the forum……
