RoadSafe scheme calls on couriers to use ESC
Date: 01 August 2007
A new government-backed safety scheme is calling on courier and haulage firms to implement Electronic Stability Control (ESC) in their vehicles.
The "Driving for Better Business" campaign organised by RoadSafe is aimed at reducing the number of deaths and injuries on the road while driving on business, such as those involving courier vans.
Roadsafe notes that the number of vans in the UK has increased by about a third in the last ten years, totalling around three million. Internet shopping has led to a large increase in the courier delivery sector.
It is believed that 150 road deaths and serious injuries each week involve someone at work - for example courier drivers.
RoadSafe believes that a simple step that can be taken by fleet managers and other operators is to make sure that new vehicles are fitted with ESC, which could cut the incidence of accidents by up to 40 per cent.
The campaign will involve a number of champions from various sectors taking the message of ESC and safer driving to industry. At first the campaign will focus on van drivers and the van fleet and home delivery markets.
"It is vitally important that employers manage those who drive on company business well. They need good guidance and sensible rules to follow," said RoadSafe director Adrian Walsh.
"Simply assuming that being in possession of a driving licence is a guarantee of ability is not enough. Backing this up by providing vehicles fitted with ESC will make a real difference."
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