Road Safety Week 2022; Safe Roads for All
Road Safety Week: Keeping Your Fleet Safe on the Roads
Organised by road safety charity Brake, 14–20 November 2022 marks Road Safety Week, an annual event dedicated to raising awareness of key areas of road safety. These include cyclist safety, the Highway Code, and the importance of visibility.
With over 1,300 road-related fatalities annually, the goal is to educate schools, organisations, and communities to proactively engage in road safety. It’s also an opportunity for professionals to outline risks and raise awareness of common hazards.
2022 Theme: Everyone’s Life Matters on the Road
Vehicle Defects Can Be Fatal
While dangerous driving and speeding remain major causes of accidents, vehicle defects also contribute to many preventable incidents. Accidents and breakdowns due to vehicle faults are entirely avoidable with regular maintenance checks, whether for cyclists, cars, or HGV drivers.
HGV drivers face additional risk due to long hours behind the wheel and the weight of their vehicles, which can delay emergency braking and amplify accident severity. Even a 7.5-tonne vehicle can cause significant harm in a collision.
Tyres, Wheels and Operator Checks
Operator negligence often begins with sub-standard or skipped visual checks. Tyre and wheel issues are commonly detected at this stage, and poor maintenance is a frequent cause of accidents. The Department for Transport reports that tyre issues, such as low pressure, worn tread, or damage, exceed faulty brakes in accident causation.
Misaligned wheels can also impair steering, weaken grip, increase tyre drag, and raise fuel consumption. Regular professional wheel checks and fittings should complement yearly MOTs and service schedules.
Tip: Pre-launch visual checks are important, but wheel nut issues can be overlooked. High-visibility safety indicators and wheel nut locks provide an early warning to prevent potential hazards.
Wheel Safety Products
Wheel safety solutions vary in efficacy, so engineers must assess the specific needs of their vehicles and operations. Combining regular maintenance checks with pre-emptive safety products such as Zafety, Prolock, or nut safety markers ensures optimal road safety.
Regular checks identify anomalies early, and pre-emptive safety measures reduce the risk of wheel detachment—a leading cause of severe accidents.
Get Involved in Road Safety Week
Road Safety Week is the perfect time to reflect on vehicle safety, ensure your fleet is roadworthy, and adopt preventative measures. Use it as a reminder to schedule maintenance, fit safety devices, and train staff on best practices.
Parma Group specialise in wheel safety. Get in touch today to discuss products and solutions for your fleet, and make sure your vehicles and drivers stay safe on the road.