Held on the theme of ‘Our Vehicles, Our Safety, Our Responsibility: Improving Road Safety for Vulnerable Road Users’, the event also saw the forum launch a film on the same theme in a move to increase awareness and knowledge of the serious implications of neglecting safety as a primary concern.
The conference explored three key themes when discussing safety and responsibility: moral, economic and legal. Delegates were informed by all speakers that human lives should be at the forefront of business policy and that prevention of accidents is the most cost effective approach. The conference emphasised that human tragedies resulting from failures in safety management will lead to an extraordinary amount of pressure placed on resources, time and energy. Businesses should also consider the legal implications of collisions and the severe impact this inevitably has on brand reputation.
Speaking at the event, senior traffic commissioner Beverley Bell and CILT vice-president said: “The message today is putting safety at the top of the agenda. If we get to the hearts and minds of the drivers and planners then everybody becomes a part of driver compliance.”
Other speakers included: Jim Spittle FCILT, president, CILT; Peter Shipp, chairman, Road Operators’ Safety Council (ROSCO); Mike Bristow, Professional Engagement Team, Brake; Andrew Price, practice leader, Europe, Zurich and Ron Ruston, partner, Kennedy’s Law.