Driver CPC Newsletter Spring 2012 A message from Noel Brett CEO

Welcome to the spring 2012 edition of the Driver CPC newsletter. A lot has happened since the last edition and 2011 was a challenging year in road safety for all of us. Provisional road casualty figures for last year show that road deaths have fallen below 200 for the first time since road deaths have been recorded in 1959. Deaths have also fallen for their sixth consecutive year and this is the fourth year in a row where deaths have been at a record low. A total of 186 people tragically lost their lives on the road in 2011; this is 26 fewer fatalities compared to 212 deaths in 2010 and 52 fewer deaths compared to 2009 when 238 people lost their lives on the roads. Since the Road Safety Strategy 2007 to 2012 was introduced road deaths have dropped by 50%. The strategy has 126 actions grouped under the four “E’s” of Education, Enforcement, Evaluation and Engineering and action under each of these areas has contributed to Ireland’s success but most importantly it has been the way in which the majority of road users have taken road safety to heart that has saved so many lives. This year the current Road Safety Strategy comes to an end and our priority will be to begin work on the development of a new Strategy. The RSA will increase the focus on reducing the number and severity of injuries and try to sustain the reductions in deaths achieved over the last six years. In that task we need the public’s help and support and in working together there is no reason why Ireland cannot be the very safest country in the EU. Since the introduction of Driver CPC, professional drivers are more aware of the importance of having good driving and safety standards, and of maintaining and updating these standards throughout their career and this has also contributed to our goal of saving lives on the roads. Since the introduction of the requirement for all professional drivers to complete periodic training,

Driver CPC Newsletter Spring 2012

approximately 152,000 Driver CPC training days have been completed by professional bus and truck drivers. In 2011 alone, 56,570 training days were completed. There are approximately 52,000 professional drivers maintaining their Driver CPC qualification in Ireland at present and this continues to grow as new drivers obtain their initial qualification and graduate into the Driver CPC system. This edition contains an overview of one of the sections in the RSA – ‘Vehicle Standards’ which is responsible for setting standards of new vehicles as well as those already in use on our roads. It also contains a summary of a recently conducted survey which the Driver CPC Unit commissioned to establish if all aspects of the Driver CPC process are being adhered to and to ascertain the level of satisfaction among the drivers. The response was very positive with in excess of 70% of those surveyed stating that they have changed their driving behaviour as a result of their Driver CPC training. This is an indication of the positive influence that you as trainers can impart on drivers during the course of each Driver CPC training day. The RSA are delighted to note that professional drivers value their CPC qualification and are serious in their commitment to maintaining their qualification and building on their skill sets and knowledge. The challenge now is to maintain and improve the satisfaction rate by the provision of high quality and relevant training specific to the needs of the modern day professional driver. Well done and keep up the good work.

Noel Brett CEO

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FOCUS ON

Vehicle Standards Vehicle Standards Section governs the standard of new vehicles as well as those in use on our roads. All vehicles using public roads are required, under vehicle-related regulations, to comply with a range of standards in respect of their construction, equipment, use, weights and dimensions. This section is responsible for development, implementation and legislation of these standards. Engineers from the Vehicle Standards Section also represent the RSA and Ireland at meetings on the development of vehicle regulations at EU level. The section also prepares draft legislative proposals and actively consults with stakeholders through consultation documents and regulatory impact assessments. Strict controls have been put in place by Vehicle Standards over the past few years to ensure that new cars in Ireland are of the highest European standard. These standards are called Type Approval and arise from European Directives relating to specific safety, environmental and technological developments. And because vehicle standards are such a dynamic and everchanging discipline, these standards require constant development and updating.

Trucks having a design gross vehicle weight (DGVW) of over 3.5 tonnes, buses with a DGVW of over 5 tonnes and trailers with a DGVW of over 3.5 tonnes must have a Masses and Dimensions plate. A Masses and Dimensions plate is fitted to a vehicle by an NSAI approved Plating Workshop. A Plating Workshop will take into consideration the design of a vehicle and its physical attributes / dimensions (some of which were mentioned above) when plating a commercial vehicle or trailer for a specific maximum permitted weight. Information on the maximum permitted weights and dimensions of mechanically propelled vehicles and trailers operating in Ireland can be accessed via the following link http://www.rsa.ie/en/RSA/Your-Vehicle/ Vehicle-Standards/Weights--Dimensions-/

Changes to Vehicle Weights Five axle articulated vehicles (having a 2 axle tractor unit and drawing a 3 axle trailer) currently operate under a temporary derogation which allows them to have a maximum permitted mass of 42 tonnes. Ordinarily such vehicles would operate at a maximum permitted mass of 40 tonnes.

The Vehicle Standards Section also puts in place measures in this country to address specific road safety issues that we believe are necessary or that have been brought to our attention.

The derogation for five axle (2+3) articulated vehicles has been extended until the 31 December 2014. However after this date such vehicles will revert to a maximum permitted mass of 40 tonnes.

Important examples of projects over the last year that would have addressed specific road safety issues is the requirement that all buses involved in the organised transport of children must now be fitted with safety belts and that all large trucks be fitted with a front view mirror.

Regulations are being put in place to allow 6 axle articulated vehicles (having a 3 axle tractor unit and drawing a 3 axle trailer) to operate at a maximum permitted mass of 46 tonnes. Currently such vehicles operate at a maximum permitted mass of 44 tonnes (on fulfilling specific provisions).

Some more examples of recent and current Vehicle Standards projects in the different areas are initiatives under Agricultural vehicles, Written-off vehicles, Post registration vehicle modifications and Motor Caravan Testing.

To operate at 46 tonnes a 6 axle articulated vehicle will have to be approved for use at this weight by the vehicle manufacturer (not including the vehicle importer or dealership).

Vehicle Weights and Dimensions Maximum legal weights for Irish vehicles are set out in Road Traffic regulations, more specifically Statutory Instrument No. 5 of 2003. A vehicles maximum permitted weights are determined by a number of factors. Most important of these is the design capability of the vehicle. Others considerations include axle type, axle spacing, the vehicles suspension type, etc.

The vehicle will also have to be fitted with extra safety devices to be able to operate at 46 tonnes and these will have to be approved by the vehicle manufacturer. These safety devices will include Anti-lock brakes, an Electronic Braking System and Vehicle Stability Function. Please visit our website at http://www.rsa.ie/en/RSA/ Your-Vehicle/Vehicle-Standards/ for further useful information in relation to Vehicle Standards and for up to date information on changes to vehicle requirements in this country.

Certain commercial vehicles and trailers are legally required to be fitted with a Masses and Dimensions plate setting out a vehicles maximum permitted weights.

Driver CPC Newsletter Spring 2012

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RSA UPDATES

Driver Licensing Driver Licensing Section is one of several functional areas within the RSA. Located in RSA headquarters in Ballina it is responsible for l Policy matters in relation to driver licensing and driver testing in Ireland. l Policy matters in relation to the Driver Theory Test and monitoring the performance of the Driver Theory Testing Service. l Liaising with the EU Commission in relation to the implementation of harmonised driving test standards and driver licensing arrangements agreed on by the member states. Some new changes which have recently been introduced which may be of interest to you and the drivers attending for training are: Category EB Licence holders First time holders of a learner permit in Category EB (car and trailer) are no longer required to hold the permit for six months before undergoing a driving test. This applies to all EB first time learner permit holders, irrespective of when their EB learner permit issued. New Drink Drive Limits From midnight on the 27th of October 2011 new drink driving limits came into force. The new limit which has come down in line with European levels, has seen the old limit drop from 80 milligrams (mg) to 50 milligrams (mg) for all drivers and from 80 milligrams (mg) to 20 milligrams (mg) for learner, newly qualified drivers (for a period of two years after passing the driving test) and for professional drivers such as bus, goods vehicle and public service vehicle drivers (PSV). The Driver CPC Theory Test has been updated to reflect the new limits. Digital Tachograph Digital Tachograph Section is based in Loughrea, Co. Galway and is responsible for processing digital tachograph card applications. On the 1st December 2011, the Road Safety Authority launched an online application system which allows truck and bus drivers to apply online for digital tachograph driver cards. This online system is accessible from our website www.rsa.ie. If you have any references or links to the old postal application form on your own website we would urge you to update these and provide a link directly to the www.rsa.ie website.

Driver CPC Newsletter Spring 2012

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RSA UPDATES

Driver CPC Survey The Driver CPC Unit recently commissioned an independent survey to determine the effectiveness of the Driver CPC training process and to establish if all aspects of the current system are being implemented and carried out by the approved trainers to the prescribed standards and in line with best practice. The survey comprised a number of questions intended to confirm the quality of the training being conducted and the extent to which it meets the standards set out by the RSA in addition to the driver’s views on the training. The questions also addressed the ability of the training provider to meet training expectations. The survey was conducted via telephone in early December, 500 drivers were interviewed and those surveyed were representative of all professional drivers from all geographical regions in Ireland with approximately 10% of all drivers surveyed being female. The drivers surveyed were broken down into three distinct groups – Bus drivers; Truck drivers; Bus & Truck drivers.

Driver CPC Expectations (Base: All professional bus and truck drivers – 500)

TRAINING CENTRE

COURSE MATERIAL

COURSE TUTOR

Exceeded my expectations

18%

15%

Met my expectations

75%

74%

70%

Failed to meeting my expectations

7%

11%

7%

23%

Summary l High levels of satisfaction were evident across the board with all elements of the Driver CPC Training Programme. Overall satisfaction with class tutor exceeded 9 in 10 satisfied and overall satisfaction with the programme standing at 82%. l Overall the Driver CPC Programme has had a positive impact on professional drivers and on their opinion of the RSA, with 3 in 4 saying it helped their driving abilities and 7 in 10 changing their behaviour as a result of participating in CPC. l The survey recorded high levels of compliance with RSA mandatory training procedures including issuing of receipts for proof of attendance and training, checking of licences to ensure driver is qualified in the category, extensive coverage of prescribed training material and so on. Overall the survey was very positive though it did identify a very small level of dissatisfaction about meeting driver expectations. This highlights the importance of maintaining high standards going forward to ensure that the expectations of drivers who have completed a number of modules continue to be met. In addition it identified the necessity and importance of having a robust monitoring process to ensure that all elements of the training programme are effective. This is one of the challenges both the RSA and CPC Trainers will face in the coming years and one in which we must work together to ensure its continued success.

Driver CPC Newsletter Spring 2012

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DRIVER CPC UPDATES

Driver CPC Training Syllabus Review The CPC training syllabus review is ongoing, two modules have been updated and it is expected that the remaining four modules will be completed over the next year. A review group is established for each module and comprises of Driver CPC trainers qualified in the particular module, RSA personnel with experience in the relevant module in addition to various other subject matter experts and driver representatives.

been completely updated with particular emphasis on making the learning experience more interactive for the driver. Some short but relevant video clips have also been introduced which cover topics such as how to use a Digital Tachograph and the ever important ‘Walk around Vehicle Checks’. The revised module was circulated to all Training Organisations in January 2012. All trainers qualified to facilitate this module should take some time to familarise themselves with the new amendments before introducing it into their training schedule.

The first module – ‘Control of the Vehicle and EcoDriving Techniques’ was completed in Autumn 2011 and all Training Organisations were issued with copies of the amended module on DVD.

The current module being reviewed is ‘Minimising Risks and Managing Emergencies in the Transport Industries’. A new review team for this purpose has been established and this module should be complete by Summer 2012.

The next revised module - ‘Role of the Professional Driver in the Transport Industries’ was completed towards the end of December 2011. This module has

High-res PDF Artwork Files - Driver’s Manual - Trainer’s Notes Powerpoint Slides Video Clips

Control of the VehiCle and eCo-driVing teChniques Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC)

reVised edition September 2011

High-res PDF Artwork Files - Driver’s Manual - Trainer’s Notes Powerpoint Slides Video Clips

Role of the PRofessional DRiveR in the tRansPoRt inDustRy Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC)

ReviseD eDition December 2011

Driver CPC Newsletter Spring 2012

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We hope you find this newsletter informative and of benefit to your work as a Driver CPC trainer. If there is any topic or issue you would like to see covered in a future edition, please contact the Driver CPC Unit with your comments and/or suggestions. While we cannot guarantee to cover all suggestions we will look to address the more common topics and issues. Please forward all comments/suggestions to the Driver CPC Unit: Via email: [email protected] please highlight the subject as *Driver CPC Newsletter* By post: *Driver CPC Newsletter*, Driver CPC Unit, Road Safety Authority, Primrose Hill, Ballina, Co. Mayo

Údarás Um Shábháilteacht Ar Bhóithre Road Safety Authority Páirc Ghnó Ghleann na Muaidhe, Aonad ADI, Cnoc an tSabhaircín, Bóthar Bhaile Átha Cliath, Béal an Átha, Co. Mhaigh Eo ADI Unit, Moy Valley Business Park, Primrose Hill, Dublin Road, Ballina, Co. Mayo locall: 1890 50 60 80 fax: (096) 25252 email: [email protected] website: www.rsa.ie