Introduction: Combatting Excessive Speed
In transportation, speed is essential. However, the consequences of excessive speed can be severe, especially in road traffic collisions. We recognise the critical role that managing speed plays in ensuring the safety of drivers and pedestrians, as well as the financial and logistical well-being of transport operators.
In this article, we'll delve into the implications of speeding for transport operators and how technology, like ours, can be a game-changer in mitigating these risks.
The Human Cost of Excessive Speed:
The statistics are stark: the chance of survival for a pedestrian hit by a car increases from 10% at 40mph to a staggering 90% at 20mph. This emphasises the importance
of maintaining safe speeds on the road, especially when you're not driving a car, you're in an HGV.
The Financial Implications of Excessive Speed
Cost is a significant factor that transport operators cannot afford to overlook. Travelling at 80mph can use up to 25% more fuel than driving at 70mph, directly impacting operational expenses. Also, speeding-related accidents can lead to additional financial burdens through fines and penalties or the risk of a lost operating licence.
Recent increases in financial penalties for speeding mean that drivers could face substantial fines relative to their weekly earnings. Business owners who turn a blind eye to speeding are also at risk under Health and Safety at Work legislation, as new sentencing guidelines emphasise the accountability of senior managers and owners. Drivers can also face suspension of their licences at a Drivers Hearing.
Drivers Hearings
If you hold a vocational driving licence, you are regulated by the Office of the Traffic Commissioner. If the Traffic Commissioner has concerns over your conduct, they can call you to a driver conduct hearing to investigate and take action if required.
The Traffic Commissioner can:
- Revoke your licence
- Suspend your licence
- Issue you with a warning
A driver conduct hearing is similar to a court hearing. The Traffic Commissioner will want to question you about the allegations and about what you have done to remedy them.
Sometimes a driver conduct hearing is held at the same time as a Public Inquiry into an operator licence holder. This inquiry can result in outcomes such as,
- Revoke your licence
- Refuse to grant any application for a licence
- Cut the number of vehicles you can operate
- Suspend your licence
- Require you to agree to restrictive licence conditions
- Disqualify you from being an operator, now or in the future
- Decide that you are no longer of good repute
Technological Solutions for Speed Management:
Here at TachoMagic, we understand that technology plays a pivotal role in addressing the challenges posed by excessive speed. Understanding and improving driver performance is crucial for your fleet efficiency and safety.
We can provide tools for in-depth driver performance analysis, enabling you to identify areas of improvement, recognise top-performing drivers, and implement targeted training programs.
Digital Tachograph Analysis - A Game-Changer:
Our Digital Tachograph Analysis, makes fleet management more efficient and effective. By simply downloading your vehicle and driver data, the information seamlessly uploads to your TachoMagic account.
Our user-friendly interface makes it accessible for both experienced fleet managers and those new to the industry. The intuitive design ensures that operators can navigate the platform efficiently and derive maximum benefit from its features. Customisable reports, such as Driving Hours, Working Time, and Driving Infringements, are at your fingertips, helping you to make informed decisions and to help combat drivers' excessive speed and any other infringements you may uncover.
Conclusion: Combatting Excessive Speed
Excessive speed is not just a hazard on the road; it poses significant challenges for transport operators and fleet managers and can impact both human lives, financial stability or even the loss of your operator licence. Our approach, combines speed management technologies and Digital Tachograph Analysis, and provides a comprehensive solution to stop any excessive speed issues before they become a problem.
If you'd like to discuss using TachoMagic, feel free to contact us on 0113 877 0190 or email admin@tachomagic.com.
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