You are in: Road Safety News: 16 April 2007
Bucks offers Sage to older drivers
With the onset of lighter evenings and better weather, Buckinghamshire's road safety team is pushing its Sage (Safer Driving with Age) scheme.
Sage is designed to give older drivers the confidence to continue driving safely and enjoy the independence that driving gives. It aims to assure drivers that they are still driving in a safe manner by putting them through a driver assessment in their own car. It's a free service but a GP's signature is required on the application form.
Val Letheren, portfolio holder for transportation, said: "We respect the senior driver and wish to support them to continue to be safe and independent.
"However they need to be aware that medication, poor health and changes in hearing and eye sight over the winter period may have an affect on their driving and reactions."
For further information contact Carole Burslem on 01296 382715 or go to: http://www.buckscc.gov.uk/road_safety
Up for the Challenge?
The Child Accident Prevention Trust (CAPT) is encouraging RSOs to participate in the Brecon Challenge 2007.
The Brecon Challenge provides an opportunity to focus on team-building, leadership and youth involvement through a new one-day challenge event in the Brecon Beacons National Park. It is open to teams of five people and the minimum age for participation is 18 years.
The event involves outdoor activities including mountain walking, rafting and biking set in a challenging, yet professionally managed and monitored environment.
The Challenge also raises funds for the Child Accident Prevention Trust (CAPT), the UK's leading charity working in the field of child injury prevention. Each Challenge team has a minimum fundraising target of £2,500.
The deadline for entries is 30 April. For further information contact Nigel Dumbrell on 020 7608 7363, or nigel.dumbrell@capt.org.uk
Kids in step with training
 More than 1,000 Wolverhampton school pupils have received training, under the first part of a new pedestrian training scheme (Surveyor, 12.4.07).
Wolverhampton's road safety team has reached the halfway point in its new scheme, Stepping Out with Togo and Nogo, which is based on five CD-ROM sessions and one outdoor roadside session.
Since January, pupils at 35 primary schools across the city have taken part in the scheme - and another 1,500 pupils from 37 schools will have participated by the end of the summer.
For the full story go to: http://www.surveyormagazine.com
RoSPA and Tesco join forces
Tesco.com van drivers will be put through ROADTest, the occupational advanced driving test for people who drive for a living or as part of their job.
It is the latest element to be added to a comprehensive training and assessment programme for Tesco.com drivers that has been developed during a two-year partnership with RoSPA.
Tesco is implementing the plan by training ROADTest examiners within its own ranks. The initiative will be incorporated into the company's staff progression scheme.
As well as demonstrating outstanding driving skills, ROADTest candidates have to prove their understanding of key occupational road risk issues such as journey plans, safe speeds, fatigue, drink and drugs, mobile phone use and equipment storage.
Charles Davis, head of driver and fleet solutions at RoSPA, said: "The advantages to organisations that put their drivers through an advanced driver training scheme such as ROADTest are clear: a safer and more efficient fleet with reduced accident and incident claims and repair costs, and a better company image.
Go to www.rospa.com/roadtest for more information about ROADTest.
Safety gear up for grabs
A stock of high-visibility jackets and hard hats is being offered to schools, colleges and youth groups.
Engineering consultancy Grontmij has gear that is surplus to requirements, following the acquisition of Carl Bro last year. Following the move, Grontmij rebranded its business and this has left the firm with lots of equipment featuring the old company logo.
Instead of disposing of it, Grontmij bosses saw the opportunity to recycle the goods for the benefit of local children. Operations manager Chris Tapscott said: "We can't use these jackets and helmets anymore but don't want to see them go to waste. We've approached a couple of establishments, but so far had no takers."
For further information ring 01733 340939, or to read the full story go to: http://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk
Lorry driver's sausage gaffe
A German lorry driver set fire to his cab after deciding to cook himself some sausages while driving.
Walter Reckling, 46, kept the small gas cooker for roadside use but decided to use it on the road, as he was late with a delivery.
He was cooking two sausages while travelling past Niederwuerschnitz in Saxony, Germany, when the cooker toppled over.
It set fire to the seat, which in turn set fire to the cab of the vehicle.
Reckling was treated for smoke inhalation at a local hospital where he was also found to have been three times over the legal alcohol limit.
For the full story go to: http://www.ananova.com
Moggie cat-ches bus
A cat has stunned bus drivers by commuting on a busy route most days for three months.
The mystery cat jumps on the No 331 service in Wolverhampton and rides it two stops down the road before leaping off near a fish and chip shop, according to The Sun.
Since January, the cat - nicknamed Macavity by drivers - has caught the bus three times a week and always gets on and off at the same spot.
Driver Bill Khunkhun said: "As soon as I open the doors he jumps on. He seems to like it."
Passenger Paul Brennan said: "The cat sat at the front, waited patiently for the right stop and got off. It was quite strange at first but now seems normal. He is the perfect passenger. The only problem is he never pays."
Travel West Midlands, which operates the service, said: "The cat certainly knows how to use buses and is a regular traveller on the 331." |
