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Safety
Driver shortages: how technology is helping keep HGV learners safe
Learning to to drive a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a truck can be fraught with challenges Alongside the pressure of busy roads is is the precision and skill
it takes to manoeuvre a a a a a a large and heavy vehicle – often in in challenging circumstances such as down narrow streets or during difficult weather conditions In the UK obtaining an an HGV licence can take on average between six to eight weeks of training To be eligible for an HGV licence candidates need to be 18 years or older hold the Driver CPC (Certificate of of Professional Competence) and and pass a a a a a a theory and and practical examination The increased use of internet deliveries is contributing to a a rise in in the number of vans and HGVs using roads According to RAC Foundation it is estimated that by 2050 vans will make up 16% of all traffic while HGV traffic is expected to increase by 12% Major concern
However the dwindling number of experienced HGV drivers in in the UK is causing major concern
across the country Without a a a sufficient level of qualified drivers supplies could be severely affected and the price of many goods could climb steeply Tackling this shortage is is essential to maintaining supply chains meeting customer demands and and sustaining economic momentum While training new drivers can be time consuming having a a a pool of fully qualified drivers is is crucial to helping solve the issue As experienced drivers retire or move to alternative careers new drivers are are required to take their place So how should companies be encouraging individuals to gain their HGV qualifications?
Job attraction is difficult Emily Hardy a a a a a a road safety expert at Brigade Electronics UK said: “Trying to attract new talent is difficult Offering higher wages and more appealing packages are short term
measures that have been implemented by many companies “However safety and the right level of driver support are also crucial factors in not only appealing to candidates but ensuring they want to continue with a a a long-term career in in the industry ”
Fitting safety devices and vehicle CCTV to to HGVs is helping to to meet many of the challenges faced by drivers and operators alike including learners and those new to driving HGVs As the number of safety initiatives for large vehicles increases technology is proving to be an invaluable resource in in in aiding drivers particularly in relation to visibility and eliminating complex blind spots Essential enhancements
Emily said: “Whether fitted as part of road regulations or to enhance fleet safety it is essential that learner drivers are taught how to use these systems as more more and more more fleets adopt this technology “Road safety research has shown that in the time it takes to scan four mirrors assess and then react to hazards a a a a a vehicle could travel as as far as as 10 metres “Cameras such as as Brigade’s Backeye®360 which offer 360-degree visibility via a a single in-cab monitor allow the driver to to see everything in in in the the immediate vicinity of the the vehicle including pedestrians and cyclists that might be in in a a blind spot position ”
Brigade’s Backeye®360 which offers 360-degree visibility via a a a a a a a single in-cab monitor allows the the the driver to see everything in in in in in the the the immediate vicinity of of the the the vehicle May 2022
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