Spate of Fatal Accident Prompts FTA Advisory

A recent spate of fatal accidents in Northern Ireland has led the Freight Transportation Association (FTA) to issue a special advisory among its members operating in the region. HGV Ireland reports the FTA is urging HGV drivers to use extra caution during the winter months due to poor driving conditions.

HGV Ireland says there were no fewer than six fatal accidents within the first two weeks of the 2014 calendar year, more than reported in the entire month of January last year. In addition to the fatalities, Northern Ireland registered an additional 13 road crash injuries during the same period.

The FTA’s Seamus Leheny stated that excessive speed was the main factor in many January’s crashes. He is urging both professional and non-professional drivers to slow down and pay attention to conditions. The FTA is also reminding its members of the necessity of daily vehicle inspections before drivers take to the roads.

The government in Northern Ireland will step up road safety advertising in the coming days as a way of getting the attention of the region’s drivers. They will also be more aggressive in enforcement actions for the foreseeable future.

As a provider of HGV training in County Fermanagh, we are well aware of the fact that road conditions in Northern Ireland can quickly deteriorate during the winter months. Without warning drivers could find themselves facing low visibility, intense precipitation, and icy roads. An increased awareness and safety mindset are important for every driver to adopt.

Why Training Matters

The news of 13 fatalities in Northern Ireland so far this year is truly tragic. Yet it serves as a constant reminder that training really does matter in terms of the safe operation of commercial vehicles. In order to have the safest drivers possible, operators must choose training providers with high standards and proven track records.

The HGV Training Centre is one such company, offering HGV training in County Fermanagh and beyond. In fact, we operate facilities in more than 45 locations around the UK. This allows us to train the largest number of students possible at locations that are convenient to them.

We provide comprehensive driver training to individual students just beginning a career, or transitioning to a new career after redundancy. However, we also offer fleet training to companies of all sizes throughout the UK. Our fleet services include everything from CPC to remedial to new driver training; essentially anything a company needs to ensure its drivers are properly trained and licensed.

Even if you are not a commercial driver, we still might be able to help you. The HGV Training Centre can teach you how to safely operate a light trailer, caravan, or horsebox trailer to meet your own personal needs. Keep in mind you might need an upgraded licence depending on the total weight of your tow vehicle and trailer.

Regardless of your driver training needs, the HGV Training Centre is here to meet them. Feel free to call us anytime.

Sources:

HGV Ireland – http://www.hgvireland.com/01/14/fta-urges-drivers-to-take-care-on-ni-roads