Equipping fleets, and training drivers, to provide further protection for cyclists on our roads is a pressing industry issue, writes Steve Hart, transport director for FM Conway.
Thorough health and safety practices are one of the main hallmarks of modern construction, considered a mark of professionalism, and also highly valued by contractors and clients. However, the danger posed to cyclists by HGVs is becoming an increasingly important issue. In recent figures, Transport for London reported that, of 16 fatal accidents involving cyclists in 2011, nine were caused by HGVs, seven of which were delivering to construction sites.
Retrofitting vehicles with equipment to help detect cyclists can make major improvements. But it’s only half the story – driver training is also crucial. So too are the cultural changes and systems within a business.
In 2011, FM Conway embarked on a major push to retrofit our fleet of vehicles, and train our drivers to ensure they minimise possible risks for other road users. It’s a constant challenge, but from our experience, the standout improvements that fleet operators and contractors should implement are:
Using sensors
Having alarms in place that detect nearby road users helps drivers to keep a safe distance. It also alerts drivers to unexpected movements near the vehicle. Side sensors, which sound an alarm when they detect movement near the HGV, are an important first step. Our fleet has been retrofitted with seven side sensors, to cover as much of the vehicle as possible. Equally, ensuring cyclists are aware of traffic movement is just as important. Audible “vehicle turning left” warnings keep cyclists and pedestrians aware of a drivers’ intentions – ensuring there are as many communications as possible between the two.
Eliminating blind spots
Cameras are also important. We have installed near-side blind spot cameras, which allow the driver to view real-time images of blind spots on the left-hand side, and a reversing camera to cover the rear-blind spot. These are vital for providing real-time images of where cyclists and other road users are. They have wider uses for training, too. Recording driver performance means you can quickly identify near misses, highlight best practice and act on incidents that jeopardise safety.
Side rails
While the emphasis is always on ensuring that HGVs do not ever come into contact with other road users, it’s responsible to make sure that vehicles are equipped to minimise risks if they do. Installing side-guard rails, which reduce the potential for pedestrians or cyclists to be dragged under a vehicle’s back wheels, must be considered, and can be quickly and efficiently retrofitted in a workshop.
Focus on training
Better equipment can only do so much, and drivers must be educated on how to operate in changing urban environments. We have been running “safer urban driver” courses for some time now. All of our drivers undergo this training, which highlights the changing streetscape of urban roads, and includes practical elements where drivers cycle London’s streets to better understand the road from a cyclist’s perspective.
Reinforce practice through your business
Perhaps the biggest step we have taken to change behaviour is to make cycle safety a company issue. Installing new equipment and investing in training is an important start, but it has to be reinforced through company initiatives and driver reviews. We operate a number of initiatives within our business to keep the issue at the front of drivers’ minds, including a panel that reviews any potentially dangerous pieces of driving. This really helps them to focus on driving in a way that mitigates even the smallest risks to cyclists and pedestrians.
These measures are only a start to the changes that need to be made. But training, retrofit and ongoing internal reviews are an immediate opportunity to improve safety, while the industry considers broader systemic changes (widening RIDDOR reporting to the road and extending the remit of the HSE, for example). Our experience shows these steps to be key – and crucial for protecting road users from unacceptable risks.
FM Conway’s drivers have undergone “safer urban driver” training
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