An Arriva driver has been recognised for his safe driving by telematics specialist Trackm8
Arriva driver Richard Prescott was the 2023 winner of Trakm8’s annual search for the Road Safety Hero of the year. Trakm8, a specialist in fleet technology solutions, launched its quest in support of Brake’s Road Safety Week, with a focus on addressing the critical issue of speeding on the roads.
Richard won thanks to his exemplary commitment to road safety, particularly his influence on other drivers, earning him the title of Road Safety Hero.
Based at Arriva’s Runcorn depot, Richard is said to have been instrumental in fostering a road safety culture among his colleagues, leading by example, and significantly contributing to reducing speeding events.
Road Risk Manager at Arriva Bus Matthew Mort commented: “Richard is a true Road Safety Hero, influencing not just new colleagues but existing ones, demonstrating immense improvements in safety standards within our depot, we are delighted Trakm8 have chosen Richard as the winner which is thoroughly deserved.”
Matthew added: “Richard’s impact extends beyond his role as a PCV driver; he also serves as an in-depot trainer. Additionally, he champions the vehicle telematics system, contributing to a 46% reduction in speeding events within the past year. Richard plays a pivotal role as the in-depot trainer at Arriva Runcorn, where he imparts essential knowledge to new starters, covering routes, vehicle familiarisation, and enhancing driving skills. His coaching approach has yielded remarkable results, making Arriva Runcorn a leader in road safety, boasting one of the lowest road traffic incidents per new starter in the entire North West and Wales business. The Runcorn depot also holds one of the lowest Key Performance Indicator (KPI) rates for road traffic incidents in the entire Arriva UK bus business.”
Arriva North West & Wales, of which Runcorn is a part, operates a large fleet of around 850 buses, with a team of over 2,000 drivers. Its Merseyside depots alone collectively cover around 78,000 miles per day, meaning that with so many drivers and buses on the road, prioritising road safety is of paramount importance to Arriva.
The company holds BS ISO 39001 Road Traffic Safety Management accreditation, underscoring its dedication to safety, which includes in-house road safety training, reward schemes, and the use of multi-camera systems.
Group Marketing Manager at Trakm8 Nick Guise commented: “Richard Prescott truly embodies the theme of this year’s Road Safety Week, ‘Let’s talk about speed,’ actively contributing to road safety and setting a benchmark for fellow fleet drivers.”
Richard’s dedication has not only earned him the title of Road Safety Hero but also two-night Lake District weekend break for two at the Langdale Hotel.
In a statement, Nick Guise adds, “Trakm8 is excited to celebrate drivers like Richard Prescott, showcasing their commitment to road safety. The Road Safety Hero search is an opportunity to champion road safety nationwide and honour those who go above and beyond to ensure the safety of our roads. In recognition of his outstanding contributions, Richard Prescott rightfully earns the title of Road Safety Hero. His influence extends beyond new colleagues, positively impacting existing ones and showcasing measurable improvements in safety standards within the business.”