In a triumphant conclusion to Trakm8’s annual search for the Road Safety Hero of 2023, Richard Prescott, a dedicated driver from Arriva Bus, emerges as the winner. Trakm8, a leader in fleet technology solutions, launched this quest in support of Brake’s Road Safety Week, with a focus on addressing the critical issue of speeding on our roads.
Richard Prescott’s exemplary commitment to road safety, particularly his influence on other drivers, has earned him the prestigious title of Road Safety Hero. Richard, based at the Arriva Runcorn depot, has been instrumental in fostering a road safety culture among his colleagues, leading by example, and significantly contributing to reducing speeding events.
Matthew Mort, Road Risk Manager at Arriva Bus, stated, “Richard Prescott 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 Mort continues by adding “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, to which Runcorn is a part of, boasts a large fleet comprising over 2,000 drivers, circa 850 buses and 100 vans, and the Merseyside depots alone collectively cover an impressive 78,000 miles per day. Given the substantial number of drivers and vehicles, 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. Arriva’s commitment to safety is evident through a comprehensive approach, including in-house road safety training, innovative reward schemes, and the utilisation of multi-camera systems. Richard’s endeavours align with Arriva’s dedication to road safety culture, contributing significantly to the Runcorn depot’s distinction as having one of the lowest incident rates in the Arriva UK business.
Nick Guise, Group Marketing Manager at Trakm8, expressed, “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 a Weekend Two-Night Luxury Lake District 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.”
