Courteous Drivers

A cyclist who rides to work past Smiths’ Enslow offices and depot, has written wishing to pass on his thanks to all the drivers of our green lorries for the courteous and friendly road manner. He goes on to state that as an ex LGV license holder be appreciates the dangers bike riders can bring to themselves- not using reflective clothes, not wearing helmets, riding with no lights etc-as well as being exposed to dangers from other road users. And that often it is the lorry driver who has to live with some serious consequences when things go wrong.


David Elliott-Smith ends his letter with “Many thanks, and please pass on my regards to the Ladies and Gents behind the wheels.”

David’s high praise for the drivers of our green lorries comes with the knowledge from both sides of the fence and the fact that he is spreading the cycle safe message to the local primary schools, along with being asked by the John Radcliffe Hospital, through their IMPS (Injury Minimization Project for Schools) programme to continue his charity work. Smiths are pleased to make a donation in support of IMPS, with more information available on the website link.

www.justgiving.com/smiffyman/

With our lorries being the most visible part of our company, it is vital that our drivers do their bit to promote the company out on the road. We put a lot of effort and training into managing both trucks and drivers which is why it is always pleasing to receive a compliment which reflects well on the drivers at Smiths.

Our concerns for all road users is paramount, with cycle safety being one of our priority issues in our company and the industry, as exemplified by our trade body, the Mineral Products Association, with their cycle safe campaign: Cycle Safe: Promoting Cyclist Safety and Minimising Risk



 Stephen Hammond MP said, “I am pleased to support the Mineral Products Association Vulnerable Road User campaign. It is an excellent initiative, taking practical steps to reduce accidents through changing the behaviour of cyclists and drivers.

“We always need to look for new ways of protecting vulnerable road users like cyclists and that is exactly what this campaign does.”

 Again full details about the initiative can be found on the MPA website

www.mineralproducts.org/feature_cycle_safe.htm

Safety and good manners on the road - always!-and thanks to David for his positive comments.