Poots delivers road safety message

Environment Minister Edwin Poots today attended the launch of a ‘Road Safety Awareness’ initiative by Home Delivery Network (NI) Ltd.

The Home Delivery Network (NI) Ltd is the largest parcel company in Northern Ireland, with over 70 drivers, delivering over three million items to customers across the province each year. As part of the new initiative all its drivers will undergo full assessment and attend best practice seminars on defensive driving, driver courtesy, winter driving, fuel efficient driving and the working time directive.

Speaking at the launch Mr Poots stressed the importance of road safety in reducing the number of road casualties in Northern Ireland. He said: “I again want to appeal to drivers to drive defensively, reduce risks, and contribute to reducing death and injury on our roads. Bad driving behaviour is the main cause of road traffic collisions, and employers have a responsibility to ensure that their employees who drive for work are encouraged to drive safely.

"I applaud Home Delivery Network for taking such a responsible and proactive approach to road safety and would urge other businesses to consider similar schemes to raise awareness of the importance of work-related safety in the business community. Such initiatives benefit society by helping to prevent road casualties. They increase the safety and wellbeing of employees, and can improve the company’s bottom line by reducing staff absences, insurance premiums and vehicle repair costs.

“Reducing deaths and serious injuries on our roads is clearly to everyone’s benefit.”

Notes to editors:

1. It is estimated that up to one in three road crashes in the UK involves a vehicle being driven for work. This equates to around 1,000 deaths every year.
2. It is estimated that every week around 200 road deaths and serious injuries involve someone at work.
3. Employers, managers and supervisors have a legal responsibility to ensure the health and safety of all employees while they are at work.
4. For media enquiries please contact DOE Press Office 028 9054 0014 or out of office hours, contact the EIS Duty Press Officer on pager 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.