Cemex UK’s Annual Driver of the Year event took place at the UTAC Millbrook test track on Wednesday 2nd October, with 15 of our Drivers from across our Aggregates and Cement operations put through their paces in a series of challenges to crown the Cemex UK Supply Chain Driver of the Year.
The day is held in memory of Keith Lacey, a former colleague, who sadly passed away just over 10 years ago. Keith was a big advocate of safe and efficient driving in the days before telematics were commonplace across the sector and Rob Wilkinson, UK Logistics Manager for Aggregate and Asphalt, took a moment to reflect on Keith’s legacy before introducing this year’s Driver to their challenges.
Our Drivers were split into five teams of three, who were then put through the following challenges in order to determine the Driver of the Year.
- Defect Test: Drivers had to identify and assess a range of defects that had been purposefully ‘planted’ on a stationary HGV vehicle to test them on their performance in relation to their Driver’s safety checks.
- Road Test: Drivers were put through their paces on one of the many circuits at the test track, this course included inclines of up to 21% in places and Drivers were scored against their performance and handling around the test track.
- Manoeuvring Challenge: Drivers were challenged to reverse an aggregates truck through an obstacle course created from traffic cones, tightly navigating their way around the cones to manoeuvre the truck into its final position.
- Off Road Challenge: Using a 4×4 vehicle designed to meet the challenging conditions of the off-road course, Drivers made their way around a series of challenges including steep inclines, mud, water and a log drive, being awarded points for their control of the vehicle around the course.
- Scalextric Challenge and Road Safety Quiz: Points were also on offer for a road safety awareness quiz and a very impressive large-scale model Scalextric circuit with a ‘Hot Lap’ Challenge.
- Hot Lap Luxury Sports Car Experience: Drivers were also offered the experience of a series of ‘Hot Laps’ with a professional driver in a luxury sports car as part of the day.
Launch of our new range of DAF trucks
The day also had an additional bonus with our latest range of DAF trucks being unveiled for the very first time at the event. The new range of vehicles come complete with a whole host of upgrades and the very latest safety features, and we were delighted to be able to give our drivers a sneak-peak of these new vehicles.
Announcing the Winner and Runner-up
After taking part in all of the challenges, Drivers were then given an overall score before the winner and runner-up were announced. This year, Lukasz Gaszczyk for Aggregates was crowned as the winner of the Cemex UK Driver of the Year, with Leszek Forszcz for Cement being awarded the runner-up prize.
A fantastic day was had by all attendees, and it was great to be able to recognise our Drivers who have demonstrated the highest levels of safe and efficient driving over the past year.
You can check out all the action on the day by clicking here to see the photos and videos: Go to this Sway
A big shout out must also go to the day’s sponsors who helped with various aspects of the event and ensured that the day could go ahead – Ford & Slater, Wilcox Commercial Vehicles Ltd, Microlise, Midland Commercial and DAF, and also Millbrook Vehicle Testing Centre for playing host.