NEWS
Newsletter for Approved Driving Instructors
Volume 3, No. 2 Summer 2012
TISPOL supports EU Transport Commissioner’s ‘wake up call’ as progress in reducing road deaths stalls
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ISPOL, the European Traffic Police Network is concerned that progress in cutting fatalities on Europe’s roads has significantly slowed in 2011. The organisation also pledges its support for EU Transport Commissioner Siim Kallas’ ‘wake-up call’ to ensure swift progress in reducing the number of people killed on Europe’s roads. The overall figure shows a reduction of just two per cent in the total number of people killed on Europe’s roads, according to figures published by the European Union. This is in stark contrast to the yearly average of six per cent throughout the last decade. Even more worrying is that there has been a significant increase in road deaths in some EU Member States with traditionally strong safety records. Other countries, where fatality rates were never among the best, have also seen rises in road fatalities in 2011. EU Transport Commissioner Siim Kallas stated that although much has been achieved in recent years, the latest figures were ‘unacceptable’. “These figures are a “wake up call”. 85 people
more information on national road safety enforcement plans and initiatives foreseen for 2012. In tough economic times, I want to be reassured that national cutbacks will not damage this important work.”
still die on Europe’s roads every day. It is not acceptable. We have made good progress since 2001 and have cut road deaths by almost 45%. We have saved more than 125,000 lives. But we need to do more,” he warned. Mr Kallas emphasised what he saw as the vital role of police enforcement. “I am concerned about enforcing rules at national level. The three big killers have not changed: drink driving, not wearing seat belts and speed. Tackling them has to be our priority. But rules only work when they are enforced. That means constant checks and controls on the ground. And that takes resources,” he added.
Responding to Mr Kallas’ announcement, TISPOL President Pasi Kemppainen said: “The Police have a key role to play in helping to change road user behaviour. We can do this through education, backed up by enforcement for those who ignore the warnings. Mr. Kallas is absolutely right in stating that laws must be effectively enforced.” “We cannot do this on our own. Enforcement is one of the core elements but we also need the support of other road safety stakeholders – in particular our politicians – who must give strong leadership. We need strong political willingness in all countries to make things happen, as we cannot tolerate the unnecessary loss of life and suffering on our roads. TISPOL is fully committed to working with others to reduce road deaths and to achieve the European Commission’s objective of cutting road fatalities in half by 2020.”
“I am writing to Member States to ask for
Driving in the Country
river training specialist IAM Drive & Survive is offering the following 6-point motoring advice to drivers from its head of training, Simon Elstow, on driving in the countryside.
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isolated houses and buildings, in case people or vehicles are around.
Always ensure you can stop within the distance you can see to be clear on your own side of the road. This will mean you probably need to slow down approaching bends. Accelerate when you can see through the bend.
• Don’t swerve uncontrollably if a small animal darts out in front of you. It’s better to have a broken fog light or a dented bumper than a loss of control or a serious accident.
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Be aware that vulnerable road users including cyclists and horses are more likely to use these roads, and give them plenty of space when you do come across them.
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• Mud on the road may means that farm vehicles will be moving around. Look out for vehicles emerging from field entrances.
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Rural roads can be windy and twisty. Use the line of hedges, trees or telegraph poles to show you which direction the road goes in.
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Drive with extra care past apparently
Simon adds: “Driving on rural roads requires different skills than driving on urban roads. The unexpected hazards, twisty roads and high speed limits make rural roads tricky, so take extra care and adjust your speed to match how far down the road you can see. Text: Rob Van Dieten - rob@fleet.ie
REPORT
Recidivist Behaviour - Lock them up or give them another chance? RSA International Conference - Dublin Castle
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n the continuing effort to reduce the numbers killed on Irish roads, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) hosted a Conference at Dublin Castle on ‘Recidivist Behaviour’ with presentations from a number of high profi le speakers from Belgium, Germany, the UK and Sweden.
Swedish 0.2 ‘blood alcohol concentration limit’ (BAC), will automatically have their licence suspended for 1 to 2 years, can apply to engage in the programme, and if accepted can receive a ‘conditional drivers licence’ for that period. Th roughout the conditional licence period they must adhere to stringent criteria regarding their behaviour, and be subject to continuous medical assessment. If successful the licence is returned after the monitoring period.
The Conference was opened by the Minister for Transport, Leo Varadkar T.D., and he addressed the topic by saying “that we need to fi nd new ways of addressing the problem of repeat offenders.” The Minister noted that this issue is currently being analysed and he looked forward to receiving recommendations on alternative measures to reduce recidivist behaviour on our roads.
Not all offenders register for the programme and not all who register are accepted, for example those who are drug dependant are excluded from applying. Also there is a surprisingly high number of approximately 40% of those who fail to complete the programme. However the combined benefits for those who stay the course are significant, and arguably the benefits to society outweigh what could appear to be a soft option.
While immense progress has been made throughout the majority of European Member States, the problem of drivers repeatedly offending is one which appears to be especially difficult to resolve. Standard deterrents appear not to dissuade the hardened offender from continuing to offend. On this basis the idea of rehabilitation may prove more beneficial for both the individual and society as a whole. The detailed and interesting presentations viewed the subject Mr. Olof Stenlund, Swedish Transport Authority from all possible angles, which demonstrated that the topic is immensely complex and most certainly deserves further investigation. In its simplest format the principle of rehabilitation allows for a percentage reduction of monetary fi nes or periods of disqualification, once the driver fully engages with some form of approved driver awareness or training programme, often under medical supervision. Another key element of rehabilitation is that the vehicle is fitted with an ‘Alcolock’ device to prevent the vehicle starting if the drivers breath Ms. Beth Fylan - Brainbox Research UK sample is above a specified tolerance. Various programmes have been trialled, with a number some noteworthy facts of particular interest. currently in place in several countries, and Of particular interest because the presentation it would appear that the benefits for all detailed the pros and cons gained from over concerned are generally positive. ten years experience of the concept, whereas most other countries are only sett ing out on Mr. Olof Stenlund (Alcolock Coordinator) the rehab road. Mr. Stenlund explained the of the Swedish Transport Agency presented process whereby a driver found exceeding the
The Swedish experience found that when a person loses their ability to drive, it invariably affects their employment status, and many will lose their jobs. In such cases the loss of employment can lead to an increased level of drinking, which has been shown to lead to marital and family difficulties, with a resultant increased demand on healthcare and social services. The argument that the offence of ‘Driving Under the Inf luence’ merits a severe punishment is of course valid. However, while current penalities deter the vast majority of drivers from gett ing behind the wheel, and brought about a seismic shift in Irish social culture, it is the group of persistent offenders who when caught are significantly over the limit, and who even when banned continue to drive and re-offend, that the programmes target. We must conclude that these offenders are aware of their ‘crimes’ and the consequences. If this cannot deter them then maybe the problem is a more complex one and something deeper in the person, in that case the solution may need to be more complex.
Event Speakers Sir Peter North - CBE DCL FBA QC Ms Simone Klipp Ph.D - German Federal Highway Research Institute Professor Oliver Carsten - Institute for Transport Studies, University of Leeds Mr Olof Stenlund - Swedish Transport Agency Ms Beth Fylan - Brainbox Research UK Mr Mircea Stereo, Communications Officer, European Transport Safety Council Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health Ireland Driving under the influence Text & Photos: Paul White - paul@fleet.ie
Event Chairman - Judge Michael Patt well (retired) www.fleetcar.ie | Summer 2012
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SAFETY MATTERS
Driving for Work in Summer
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ith summer just around the corner, and driving being a major part of many worker’s day to day activities, now is a good time to focus employers attention on safe driving for work during the summer months. The good weather brings more people out onto the roads and the driving landscape changes greatly over the summer months and particularly during school holidays. Are you as an employer aware of the key school holidays and how they might impact on your workers? There are more children, cyclists, pedestrians and vulnerable road users about. So, those who drive for work need to be extra mindful of these seasonal changes and modify their driving and work practices accordingly. By applying some simple guidelines before travelling, en-route, and at premises and public areas driving for work in summer should be safe, stress-free and result in employees returning home safe at the end of their working day. • •
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Make sure vehicles are roadworthy before undertaking any work related journey: even the slightest doubt about vehicle condition and performance, needs checking. Refer to the Road Safety Authority (RSA) guidance at www.rsa.ie for detailed information. Make sure vehicle daily checks are done as they are a simple and effective way to spot potentially dangerous issues or defects before vehicles are used. Employers and self-employed people should have a system of routine checks in place to ensure that vehicles are in good working order, safe and fit for purpose at the start of each working day or work shift. The Health and Safety Authority, Road Safety Authority and An Garda Síochána have developed FREE resources to help you perform checks. They include vehicle check posters and check sheets and videos. They can be accessed at http://www.hsa.ie/eng/ Vehicles_at_Work/Driving_for_Work/ Vehicle_Safety_Pre-checks/ Make sure that vehicle maintenance is up to date, and if in doubt have it serviced. Make sure that only authorised passengers travel in vehicles driven for work. Vehicles and Workplaces are dangerous places for children and employers should have clear rules on carrying passengers for work. Make sure that necessary vehicle safety equipment is available for the driver, (especially if the vehicle is hired or loaned) such as torch, warning triangle, first-aid kit and maps/navigation aids. Make sure that personal protective equipment for the driver such as hivisibility clothing is available in the vehicle cab. Make sure routes are planned beforehand
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and leave ‘more than enough’ time to negotiate journeys and routes. Check the weather forecast and travel news before and during journeys. Refer to route and traffic information from websites or on national and local radio stations. Make sure vehicle is not overloaded and that goods and items are stowed and restrained correctly on the vehicle. Take extreme care reversing. Especially if driving a van, truck or four-wheel drive vehicle during deliveries and collections in built up areas and public areas. Check carefully for obstacles and vulnerable road users such as children and elderly. On the road, make sure everyone is buckled up, including front and backseat passengers. Take regular breaks on journeys. Those who drive for work often travel long distances. Don’t give in to the temptation to ‘push on’! Make sure to take breaks when tired. Rest breaks every 2 hours keep drivers alert by promoting blood circulation, make trips more pleasant for passengers and let the vehicle cool down. Make sure you drive defensively by :
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Being prepared for unsafe actions by others or for poor driving conditions. Driving at speeds appropriate to the road conditions and speed zones. Obeying the road signs and signals. Making allowances for urban or rural variation in roads and rules. Being extra careful in the early morning or at dusk and during the night, when animals are most likely to be on the road. Make sure you are seen and keep out of others’ blind spots. Don’t let larger vehicles hide yours from view and use daytime running lights.
Enjoy the good weather, but please put safety first on when driving for work. New Information on Vehicle Incidents at work The Health & Safety Authority has just published new reports on work related vehicle incident for 2009 and 2010 and these can be downloaded from http://www.hsa.ie/eng/Vehicles_at_Work/ Work_Related_Vehicle_Safety/Work_ Related_Vehicle_Statistics/
www.hsa.ie