I read the article on earned recognition [routeone/big story/13 September], but the article in Transport Engineer gives a slightly different view.
My concern is whether compliance is directly related to road casualty reduction?
The current statistics run at around 1,800 road accident deaths each year. The figure is evidently quite stable and approximately 25% of the casualties are transport workers. This is in the region of 'five a day' – a notorious number.
Given that over 90% of accidents are attributed to driver error, compliance – of which maintenance issues play a significant part – may not be as significant as thought. Looking at the collection of scrap parts outside the garage they all represent defects, however they rarely, if ever, represent accidents.
I posted on 'Moving On' regarding engaging in earned recognition to the effect that engaging in the process was good, but keep an eye on the statistics to see if the numbers fall. This is surely the most important KPI?
Times are hard and resources dwindling, making it more important that everybody using or responsible for the public roads keeps their eyes on the ball, but it has to be the right ball.
Trevor Coltman, Fleet Engineer
J&C Coaches Ltd
Newton Aycliffe, County Durham
