Government Report: HGV Driving Safer in the UK

Companies such as ours work very hard to make sure drivers are learning and applying industry best practices to safety. Additionally, we work with organisations like the Freight Transport Association (FTA) and the Road Haulage Association (RHA) to improve driver safety across the board. So we are happy to report that new statistics from the government show HGV driving being made safer.

The numbers released on September 24 (2015) indicate that the number of fatal accidents involving HGVs is falling. When accidents are measured in relation to the number of total miles driven in a given year, the number was down some 3.5% in 2014 as compared to 2013. Over the last decade, the number of fatal accidents is down 43%.

In 2014, there were 240 fatal accidents in which HGVs were involved. The number of deaths in 2005 was nearly twice that. Such a steep decline shows that the industry’s efforts to improve road safety over the last ten years are paying off. HGV drivers are operating more safely in equipment that is designed to minimise risk as much as possible. We could not be more thrilled with the numbers.

Reminded to Remain Vigilant

In their report addressing the government statistics, the FTA suggested members remain vigilant in the months and years ahead. According to organisation officials, now is not the time to rest on our laurels as an industry. We have worked very hard to reduce fatal accidents since 2005; now we need to continue working even harder to make our roads that much safer.

The Association’s public affairs chief, Christopher Snelling, said in an official report that the FTA supports targeted enforcement of “seriously non-compliant operators who undermine the efforts of the vast majority.” He went on to say that the government has a role in improving safety by spending more on road improvements and infrastructure. Every stakeholder has the added responsibility of learning as much as possible about how they can contribute to better safety.

As a member of the FTA, we take to heart the recommendations of the association. We know how vital it is that safety be the centrepiece of HGV driving. While it is important to get goods from one destination to another on time, it is more important to get them there safely. Consumer goods can be replaced if need be; people cannot be replaced.

Safety training is a big part of what we do at the HGV Training Centre. Every student who passes through our doors to receive HGV driving instruction gets a heavy dose of safety training, both in the classroom and behind the wheel. We are confident that those drivers who complete our training are among the safest on the road.

If you are a company owner or transport manager in need of safety training for your fleet, please do not hesitate to contact us. We would be happy to offer you a customised safety programme specifically for your company.

Sources:

1. FTA – https://fta.co.uk/press-releases/20150924-government-figures-show-fall-in-hgv-fatal-accident-rate