Three employees and six agency drivers have been dismissed so far this year for texting whilst driving.  If you didn’t know already, studies have shown that the you are 24 times more likely to crash while driving if texting… What could be so important that it is worth taking such a risk?  Please do not use your phone when you are driving.

Never use a hand-held phone while driving whether it’s for texting, social media or calls, and please do all you can to avoid using hands-free phones for calls as well.

As you may be aware, the Scottish Courts recently published their findings in the case of the death of Gary McEachran. Gary, who worked for a contract haulier, died whilst delivering for us in March last year when his tipper truck overturned while travelling to a customer site.

The court evidence enabled us to finally close our investigation and support with the preparation of the attached Global Safety Alert.  As you will see, the Police confirmed that Gary had been texting while driving, sending and receiving nine text messages in the first half an hour of his journey. The last incoming text coincided with Gary losing control of his vehicle. He was also speeding, travelling at 57mph at the time of the incident, on a road limited to 40mph for large goods vehicles.

It is extremely sad that someone should lose their life while working for us and our thoughts are with Gary’s family and friends, however, it is also deeply concerning that someone would put their own life at risk, as well as the safety of other road users. We all have a role to play in keeping our roads safe for everyone.

If you must make/receive a call on a hands-free phone, ensure you comply with the company policy….. Is it urgent/cannot be delayed? Are the road conditions appropriate? Keep the duration of the call to an absolute minimum.

We all have a role to play in discouraging the use of mobile phones while driving, reminding people only to use them when absolutely necessary… it’s difficult to imagine how the person who was texting Gary McEachran must feel.  Please discuss the tragic circumstances of this incident with employees and contractors to ensure compliance with the company policy, and also consider discussing it with family and friends to help keep them safe when out on the road.