http://www.truckingmag.co.uk August 2019 TRUCKING 13N
ew research has revealed more
than a quarter (28 per cent) of
young drivers believe they have had
a road accident as a result of spending a
significant time away from the wheel after
passing their driving test.
The study, commissioned by
Marmalade, a car and insurance provider
for young drivers, found over a quarter
(26 per cent) of drivers under 30 have
spent six months or longer without
driving after passing their test – which
the insurer warned is leading to a higher
risk of accidents.
The poll suggested the time spent away
from the road had an adverse effect on
young drivers’ confidence and abilities on
the road. Nearly a quarter (24 per cent) said
their confidence had been knocked as a
result of time away from the wheel, while
the same number (25 per cent) though they
had become a more hesitant driver.
Nearly one in five (18 per cent) are
reluctant to drive long distances, while 14
per cent said they were now nervous taking
passengers. One in 20 (four per cent) went
as far as saying they were a more
dangerous driver as a result of their break
from driving.
Figures show the cost of driving is a
significant contributor to young drivers
taking an extended break from behind the
wheel. Over a third (34 per cent) cited the
cost of access to a vehicle, includingpurchase and insurance, as the main
reason for their absence from the road.
New drivers are in agreement that
regular driving is essential to becoming
more confident behind the wheel, with two
thirds (67 per cent) stating regular access
to a car after getting their licence is crucial
to making them a safe driver.
“This study shows there is a clear –
and worrying – correlation between
young drivers taking an extended break
from the road and the likelihood of having
an accident,” said Marmalade CEO,
Crispin Moger.
“With more than a third of young
drivers citing cost as the main reason
for time off the road, insurance providers
have a clear responsibility to help more
young people get behind the wheel after
their test. This time is crucial for
developing their confidence and ability,
which ensures the safety of themselves
and other road users.”Accident risk rises as young
drivers spend more time away
from the road after passing test
DVSA BLOCKS DOCTORS ON
WHEELS MEDICAL REPORTS
T
he Driver and Vehicle Licensing
Agency (DVLA) has said it is no longer
accepting any medical reports on
truck drivers from the company Doctors on
Wheels, following an investigation by
Trading Standards and the DVLA.
Those investigations are ongoing, and
it’s understood staff at Doctors on Wheels
are being questioned.
In a statement, DVLA said: “If any
applications are received at DVLA on or
after this date, they will not be accepted,
and a new application will need to be
submitted. This only applies to applications
received on or after June 20, 2019, and we
expect these numbers to be very low.
“We will prioritise any applications
received by those who need to resubmit
another D4 as a result of these
investigations,” DVSA added – though the
Agency pointed out it would not
reimburse any fees paid for the D
medical report to be completed.
The Road Haulage Association said it isurging members not to use Doctors on
Wheels for D4 Medical Reports, and added
it fully supported the DVLA action.
The Association said it had received “a
number of complaints” into claims that D
medicals were not being completed
properly, and fit-to-drive notices were being
incorrectly submitted.
A notice on the Doctors On Wheels
website (www.doctorsonwheels.co.uk)
said the firm has now suspended its
services until further notice as a
consequence of an investigation by
Swansea Trading Standards.
“We will automatically refund any medical
booked with ourselves, these will be
processed as quickly as possible,” the
statement said. “Those customers who
have had their medicals rejected by the
DVLA are requested to email us your name,
the date you made payment with us and the
name of the card holder whose card was
used to pay for the appointment. We will
then refund the fee back to your account.”Ambassador interview:
Ritchie Pettitt
Apprentice HGV technician Ritchie Pettitt steps up to the
#ProudProfessionals podium for a quick chat after a day in
the classroom. Ritchie is one year into his apprenticeship
with Renault Trucks, splitting his time between
Stephenson College, Coalville, and his work with PCL
Group, Gatwick.Why choose a career in trucks, Ritchie?
RP: “Dad’s a truck driver so I’ve always been drawn to
working on commercials. It’s an exciting industry and
things are changing quickly. I wanted to be part of that so
was chuffed when Renault offered me the apprenticeship.”One year in, how’s it going so far?
RP:“It’s been great, the course is set up really well.
There’s a lot to take back to the workshop and put into
practice. That balance of theory and hands-on work is
something I wouldn’t get from a normal job or college
course, so I’m happy.”Any advice for others following the same path?
RP: “If you’re considering it, then just do it. Having an
opportunity like this, at this stage in life, is brilliant. The
path is there, so if that’s what you want then get moving.”What do you think makes a Proud Professional?
RP:“The team at PCL are good at their jobs, but what
really makes the difference is that they’re always there to
help each other out. They’re there if you need a favour or
have a question because they’re mates as well as
colleagues. So, it’s more than just being good at your job;
it’s the things you do extra for the people around you –
that’s what makes you a professional.”The #ProudProfessionals aim is to recognise the
people who make this industry great, but all too
often go unappreciated. Drivers and dealers,
support and sales, maintenance and more – every
one of us plays a vital role.
http://www.proudprofessionals.co.ukIf you know proud professionals
like Ritchie then visit
http://www.proudprofessionals.co.uk
to nominate them – let’s give them
the recognition they deserve#PROUDPROFESSIONALS
Data showed cost of driving is preventing
newly-qualified drivers from hitting the road