LTB 216/21 – Royal Mail Group – Safe & Slow Reversing Communications Initiative (Title “Reversing – The Power of 1 MPH”)
No. 216/2021
25 May 2021
Our Ref: V4/21
To: All Branches
Dear Colleagues,
Royal Mail Group – Safe & Slow Reversing Communications Initiative (Title “Reversing – The Power of 1 MPH”)
The Royal Mail Group Safety Health and Environment Team’s National Road Safety Manager has launched a Safe and Slow Reversing Communication Initiative which the CWU Health, Safety & Environment Department is supporting.
Last year 2,397 road traffic collisions (RTCs) occurred involving RMG (RM, PFWW, RMSS, RMP&FS etc.,) when fleet vehicles were reversing which is over 30% of all RTCs. Road Safety organisations note that reversing a vehicle is sometimes difficult, particularly in a commercial
vehicle where the driver’s visibility is limited. THEREFORE EXTRA CARE AND MOVING THE VEHICLE SLOWLY IS IMPORTANT!
Key Facts:
One way to make reversing easier is to keep the vehicle speed DEAD SLOW, by ‘inching’ it backwards at 1 MPH or as slow as possible. The difference it makes is:
- More time – drivers can carefully check mirrors as they reverse and can react to reversing sensors. If a vehicle is reversed at over 4mph, the vehicle will hit an obstruction before the driver even hears the sensors.
Better control – drivers can make adjustments as they go, increasing the manoeuvrability of the vehicle and making it less likely that they’ll misjudge the space.
Limited damage – if a driver does make a mistake, the level of damage will be massively reduced. There’s even a chance that there will be no damage at all.
NOTE: It takes just 11 seconds to reverse 5 metres at 1mph.
- Limit your speed when reversing, ‘inching’ it backwards and keeping below 1 MPH.
Use the clutch to control your speed and cover the brake with your right foot. You shouldn’t need the accelerator to reverse.
Be cautious – if ever in doubt, just stop. No driver will hit anything when stationary!
See attached:
“This Week In Opps” Briefing/Huddle message.
“RMTV Screen Message. Reversing at 1mph gives you:
*TIME – more time to check your mirrors and react to your sensors
*CONTROL – you can easily make adjustments as you reverse
*OUTCOME – if you do make a mistake, the damage is reduced
Management only enquiries to Mark Bromhall Royal Mail Group Road Safety Manager Mobile: 07872 815241 Email: mark.r.bromhall@royalmail.com
Yours sincerely
Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer
http://www.cwu.org/wp-content/uploads/2 ... MPH-v2.pdf