HGV and van drivers in England are set to face new mandatory safety training aimed at reducing road collisions. The training will equip drivers with the skills to perform emergency first aid when they arrive at the scene of a collision.
National Highways Launches Post-Collision Response Training
National Highways has introduced a new post-collision response training program specifically designed for commercial drivers who may be among the first on the scene after a road traffic collision. The online course, which is free and takes less than an hour to complete, has been developed in collaboration with medical trauma specialists. Its goal is to empower commercial drivers to take effective action during the critical moments following a vehicle collision.
Expert Insights on the Training
Mark Cartwright, Head of Commercial Vehicle Incident Prevention at National Highways, stated: “Motorways and major A roads carry around two thirds of all freight traffic in England, so we potentially have millions of commercial drivers that are often among the first people at the scene following a collision. This training is not about pressuring anyone to do anything they’re uncomfortable with, it’s about being collaborative and realistic, and providing information that might help save lives.”
The training content has been clinically reviewed by Professor Tim Nutbeam, a consultant in emergency and prehospital emergency medicine at Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust and Devon Air Ambulance. Professor Nutbeam, who also directs the IMPACT research centre dedicated to post-collision research and innovation, commented: “My background is about improving medical outcomes for people, particularly when time is of the essence. What happens in the first few minutes following a collision can make a real difference and I believe this type of project can help improve safety on the road network. This isn’t about turning commercial drivers into paramedics, it’s about empowering and equipping people with basic knowledge so they understand what they can help with, while always putting their own safety first.”
Impact on Road Safety
This initiative is expected to significantly enhance the ability of commercial drivers to provide immediate assistance at collision scenes, potentially saving lives. The training emphasizes that drivers should prioritize their own safety while offering help. With millions of commercial vehicles on England's roads, the program aims to turn everyday drivers into effective first responders.
