It seems we hear of bridge strikes on a regular basis of late and that is confirmed by Network Rail given the recent statistics published. Do we need to know the reasons for bridge strikes to find a solution, if so, what are the reasons?
Here are some reasons (excuses) for hitting bridges: My sat nav didn’t make me aware of the bridge, I was diverted off route, I didn’t see the signs, I thought my vehicle was lower than the bridge, I was late and trying to make up time, I have health issues, I have family issues, I had just been involved in a road rage incident, my mind wasn’t on it.
We could never engineer out the human error factor but, we could manage risk by ensuring drivers are properly trained, coached and given the skills to avoid bridge strikes.
Sufficient Training, Information, Advice & Guidance:
Employers have an obligation to ensure the safety of their employees and to provide training to ensure any work task is completed in a safe manner so, where do we start?
Regarding bridge strikes, route planning is an important aspect of driver training and maybe even map reading! Reliance on new technology can lead to bridge strikes and numerous other issues for drivers of commercial vehicles. As a company, do you ensure drivers are given set routes when possible and if diverted, do you have a policy in place and do drivers understand the instruction?
What else can the employer do to mitigate the risk of bridge strikes? Some of our clients have measures in place which don’t allow a driver to use a mix of standard and double deck trailers due to height difference. Others hold regular toolbox talks on the importance of avoiding bridge strikes. Transport & Logistics Compliance Training Limited also cover this subject in four of our suite of Driver CPC modules, our clients are happy for us to pass on vital information and guidance on the avoidance of bridge strikes to their drivers and managers as part of their in-house training programmes and CPD.
What are the guidelines regarding vehicle height?
The guidance states that vehicles with an overall travelling height of 3 metres or above (including the vehicle, load or equipment) should have the height displayed in a prominent position in the cab. It also states that the overall travelling height must not be set more than 150 mm above the measured overall travelling height and numerals used should be 40 mm tall. We suggest that fixed height vehicles have a fixed height indicator fitted, not a variable height indicator as this can be open to misuse (can be set too high or too low).
If using variable height vehicles and trailers, have you trained your drivers in the use of a height stick and more to the point, do you have a height stick? Drivers should be told to question vehicle height if any doubt exists and not to use a vehicle if they are uncertain of its height. These concerns should be listened to and actioned by a responsible person.
What are the consequences of a bridge strike?
The worst scenario would be death caused by a bridge strike which is something we never contemplate as professional drivers and managers, that possibility should be enough to ensure bridge strike prevention is a top priority for all.
Other consequences are heavy fines for drivers and operators, delays to trains and delays on the road network. In addition to fines, the Traffic Commissioner can suspend the drivers vocational licence for up to six months, not a good prospect when driving is your only source of income. The operator will also be implicated regarding policies, procedures and training that has/has not been implemented, tough questions will be asked, and answers will be expected of the operator and driver.
How can the Operator and the Driver manage the risk of bridge strikes?
As an Operator ensure your drivers have received training regarding bridge strikes, training that is relevant and meaningful. When training has been given, record it, ask drivers to sign the training record as in the event of a bridge strike the Traffic Commissioner will ask for proof of training. Make bridge strikes part of your induction process by including map reading and road sign/Highway Code elements, maybe even supply a copy of the Truckers Atlas?
As a driver, always ensure you are aware of the overall travelling height of the vehicle before commencing your journey, if unsure seek advice. Invest in a height stick, these can be bought for as little as £80 (much less than the cost of a bridge strike). Buy yourself an up to date Truckers Atlas which includes bridge heights. Familiarise yourself with your route, read the map before setting off and refer to your map in the event of being diverted off your route. Do not use a sat nav designed for a car, this should be obvious and if using a truck sat nav, never rely on it if you are diverted off route!
Here at Transport & Logistics Compliance Training we take all aspects of driver and vehicle safety seriously. Bridge strikes are an unnecessary event that can have huge impact on you as an operator and as a driver, the worst case scenario is causing a death. Think about how a bridge strike could damage your reputation, loss of contracts, vehicle replacement costs, driver downtime, public inquiries and the Traffic Commissioners involvement.
If you would like to talk to us free of charge regarding bridge strikes and any other transport related training email us at info@tlct.co.uk or call us on 0114 3570 182.
https://www.tlct.co.uk/