As a reflection of RoSPA’s mission to save lives and reduce injuries we are delighted to support the first United Nations Global Road Safety Week (April 23-29). To show our commitment, this week's edition of Safety Connections will be dedicated to managing road safety – a critical issue both for companies and individuals alike.

Cars In The Future

RoSPA’s new policy paper “Cars In The Future”, takes an in depth look at vehicle technology and explores how driving will change in the future. It is intended to help the general public understand what exactly is happening with cars, and where the technology is going.

It is also intended to help those working in road safety or fleet management understand what all of the current issues around vehicle engineering are, and how in future, it will relate more to education, training and publicity work.

“Cars in the Future” can be found on the RoSPA website.

RoSPA's Stopping Distances Simulator

Have you ever wondered how speeding, using a mobile phone, or drink driving effect a car's stopping distance? 

RoSPA have launched a new website with a built in Stopping Distance Simulator to show you how factors such as these can increase stopping distances dramatically and how this can endanger pedestrians.

Click here to visit the new website

Companies can also use the simulator as part of their tool kit to help them manage their occupational road risk strategy more effectively. For more information on the full range of managing occupational road risk services please visit the driver and fleet webpage.

Special Offer – Managing Occupational Road Risk Course – Two-for-One

Could your company cope with the costs and threat of prosecution from failing to manage risk on the road?

If the answer is no then you should take advantage of our special two for one training offer on the Managing Occupational Road Risk course.

So if you want to learn how to implement an effective MORR strategy within your organisation, meet legal requirements and realise the business benefits register now.

Don’t delay as places are limited at this special discounted rate.

Call 0121 248 2233 (Birmingham) or 0131 449 9378 (Edinburgh)
Email: training@rospa.com or
Visit: www.rospa.com/occupationaltraining

Many car drivers unintentionally exceed the speed limit, often without realising it.

Modern cars are so powerful and comfortable they give drivers little sensation of their speed. It is too easy to creep above the limit, and in particular, many drivers believe it is difficult to drive a modern car at no more than 30 mph.

Visit the RoSPA website to view the top ten tips for staying within the speed limit.

Managing occupational road risk is a critical issue for all organisations. Understanding the causes and consequences of driver impairment can play a key role in an effective MORR strategy.

It’s not only too much alcohol which can impair driving ability. Illegal drugs prescription medication, fatigue, stress, mobile phones, speed and inadequate journey planning, can transform a seemingly harmless trip into a major road risk.

RoSPA’S one day, interactive driver impairment workshop will help you understand all aspects of impairment and consequences for drivers. So whether you manage staff, have responsibility for health and safety, work in HR or if you are simply an employee who drives a company vehicle, you should register for this course now.

To register call: 0121 248 2105 (Birmingham)
Email: fleetsolutions@rospa.com Visit: www.rospa.com/drivertraining

Hot off the press, the date and venue of The RoSPA Road Safety Congress 2008 has been announced.

It will take place at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Glasgow between the 25th and 27th February 2008.

The Road Safety Congress will be relevant to researchers, practitioners and policy makers, and in particular to:

• Road Safety Managers • Road Safety & Accident Prevention Officers • Safety Camera Partnerships • Fire Service • Highway Safety Engineers • Teaching organisations • Driver Trainers Armed Forces • Police Officers • Elected members (Councillors) • Health Promotion Professionals • Special interest groups • Education Professionals • Voluntary Organisations

Click here to register to receive further details when they are announced.

Driving Down Musculoskeletal Disorders in Transport and Logistics

Did you know that transport and mobile machine drivers and operatives, have the third highest rate of musculoskeletal disorders that are caused or made worse by their job?

In recognition of this RoSPA has developed a new, unique course that specifically addresses manual handling within logistics. It offers a cost effective solution that allows you to train a trainer who can disseminate the skills around the workplace

Who should attend?

So whether you work in distribution, retail, warehousing or any part of the logistics process and are responsible for educating others in manual handling, this course is for you.

Places are going quickly so book now!

Call: 0121 248 2233 (Birmingham) or 0131 449 9378 (Edinburgh)
Email: training@rospa.com or
Visit: www.rospa.com/occupationaltraining

With the growth of the European Union, over the past ten years, the number of left-hand drive HGV’s on Britain’s roads has been steadily increasing. This situation creates unique safety concerns for transport managers, safety groups and general road users.

The importance of this group to international trade means that a proactive strategy that effectively manages the risks involved and allows free and open trade must be created.

RoSPA has responded by producing a paper designed to facilitate discussion between all groups on the issue. This discussion paper highlights the safety risks, the safety measures already taken and suggests ways to minimise risk in the future and is available online. Please click ‘Left hand drive HGV’s: Dangers and Solutions’  for more information.

RoSPA will augment this discussion paper by working in partnership with the Association of British Insurers to produce a wider study into the effect of all overseas vehicles on UK road safety.

In partnership with the EC, RoSPA has been involved in the development of basic level adult learning resources on road safety. The purpose of the project is to raise awareness about the risks and consequences of road crashes and to encourage adults to take responsibility for their own safety and that of others. There are four modules addressing key issues of road safety:

1. Excessive and improper speed and drink driving 2. The use of helmets, seat belts and other safety devices 3. The visibility of pedestrians and cyclists 4. The use of in-vehicle technology by drivers

Organisations wishing to share their latest news with the safety community can contact us for details on adding their message to Safety Connections, or sponsoring an issue.

RoSPA is an independent charity and a uniquely comprehensive safety organisation. As a RoSPA Member you will be supporting our mission to save lives through preventing accidents in all walks of life. RoSPA Members also enjoy a range of benefits to help you to achieve your own safety goals, so join RoSPA today and see how we can help you.

You can also support RoSPA by arranging fundraising activities, or through a simple donation. RoSPA also have many sponsorship opportunities.