You know when you’ve told your kids to take care as they walk to school on dark winter mornings so often that you almost feel like you’re wasting your time? Well, at E-Training World we’re beginning to feel that way about Safe Driving messages in the fleet sector during the festive period.
Because when you look at the advice that flies around the fleet sector at this time of year, many of it doesn’t really come from people that are passionate about road safety or are qualified to give it. Its often just PR agencies turning to their contract hire company or fleet sector supplier and saying “Hey guys. Lets do a safe driving at Christmas story and get some coverage in Fleet News”.
You then read the usal stuff. The importance of Winter Checks – oh, yes. I can see fleet managers right now thinking – wow, what a cracking idea to check that our vehicles are safe for winter driving. And what’s this? A fee guide regarding safe driving in poor conditions. I must make a note to consider whether my journey is important before I set off in snow, ice or fog.
Of course, I could go on and on. But the point I’m making is that because its become an excuse for many companies to jump on the bandwagon through cynical PR, the actual message from road safety professionals and the respected fleet driver training companies is being lost. As I said in my opening line, its like the parent who’s words fall on deaf ears.
As a champion of road safety, I shall personally never give up trying to advise the fleet sector about how it can make everyone’s lives safer. Because for all the articles that appear about vehicle checks, so many are still not done. And for all those guides advising drivers not to venture out to an appointment when conditions are treachourous, we still end up with motorway pile ups in adverse weather.
All I ask is for those who have no direct involvement in road safety, who cynically dish out generic advice to cynically promote themselves, to let the professionals do the talking. Because otherwise, pertinent life saving advice from qualified people will be missed amongst the pile of PR from those who haven’t got a clue.
Posted by grahamhurdle
Posted by grahamhurdle
Posted by grahamhurdle