ROSCO Award for Innovation in Road Safety sponsored by ROSCO
Winner, Gold Award, Lytx DriveCam – National Express West Midlands
National Express West Midlands has installed Lytx DriveCam technology in its entire bus and coach fleet to improve safety and help its drivers. The system identifies driving habits which may be risky, which are then addressed with top-up training. The leading technology of this type, its power lies both in the data analytics it generates and the videos it allows to be reviewed. It gives the company an important management tool that allows tailored and targeted training. It also allows National Express West Midlands’ drivers to record incidents where they have been the victim of bad, or even criminal, driving. And drivers who demonstrate exceptional driving skills, such as avoiding potential accidents, receive a formal certificate of commendation. Since introducing this system, there has been a 23% reduction in collisions and annualised insurance costs have reduced by 30%.
Winner, Silver Award, technology + empowered employees = safer buses – Reading Buses
Reading Buses is trying to make buses the safest they can be, through innovation and technological development. From its DriveWell driver telematics system and engaging drivers in new ways through to a GPS-based tree branch strike detector, the company is doing things differently. Reading Buses combines technology and continuous management in a close way creating a fusion between new innovative technology, current technology and making sure people are involved, engaged and empowered to get the best results. Through focussing on all the operational data and details, and investing in people, training and technology, the company has reduced blameworthy accidents by 55%.
Winner, Bronze Award, Walking and cycling in London – RATP Dev London
Much more needs to be done to protect two highly vulnerable groups of road users: cyclists and pedestrians. The latter, in particular, are too frequently involved in incidents with buses. RATP Dev London is, therefore, keen to improve matters and is piloting a one-day course to ensure that its drivers are aware of how to safely share road space. The first half of the course addresses the hazards surrounding pedestrians, while the second part addresses issues related to cyclists. The course culminates with a brief bike ride to remind attendees how it feels to be on two wheels in London traffic. The course is being run in partnership with the London Cycling Campaign, with support from Transport for London (which is interested in the programme and attended part of a recent course). The course is in its early stages, but the plan is to hold one every two weeks or so for maximum impact. There are up to six drivers per course plus a manager. RATP Dev London’s safety team recognises a course such as this is vital and that the more conducted, the greater the possibility of reducing accidents with cyclists and pedestrians.
Finalist, Accident prevention days campaign – RATP Dev London
RATP Dev London is concerned about the number of people who are hurt by buses. Believing that the desire to keep people safe should bypass competition among operators, RATP Dev London’s safety representatives approached other major bus companies and asked them to join forces in conducting a united, on-street campaign that would become the widest-ranging project of its kind. The purpose of the campaign was to raise awareness of hidden road dangers. Three areas of London were chosen for this campaign; Hammersmith, Kingston and Oxford Street. Crucial to the success of this project was the preparatory work undertaken with Transport for London, which included creating a map of accident hot spots. The campaign opened up the possibility of future collaboration with bus operators in targeting other accident hotspots around London. RATP Dev London is keen to adapt the campaign and spread the message, regardless of whether it has operations in that area.
