Fleet transport and commercial insurance broker McCarron Coates has created a board game to help truck and van fleet operators understand the implications of the Highway Code’s Hierarchy of Road Users, which requires HGV drivers to bear the greatest responsibility for collisions and accidents that occur on the country’s network.
The new regulation, which led to the introduction of the motoring offence of Causing Serious Injury by Careless or Inconsiderate Driving, came into effect in January 2022.
It was criticised by RHA at the time as encouraging unsafe manoeuvres by cyclists who are then absolved of responsibility for their actions towards motorists.
The Road Hierarchy board game aims to be a wake up call to operators and their drivers. It takes the player through the implications of this regulation, with players moving around the board and having to pay a penalty, or earn a reward. These come through landing on a scenario square.
The scenario can be detrimental, if the player has exhibited poor driving behaviour or inadequate fleet management or positive, if aspects of good fleet management have been adopted.
The aim is to be the first player to achieve Star Operator status but, enroute to that, the player must avoid ending up in HMP Hierarchy.
This ultimate penalty highlights how the offence of Causing Serious Injury by Careless or Inconsiderate Driving does not levy fines on those found guilty, but does impose driving bans and a prison sentence of up to two years.
The game play also shows that it is relatively easy to be caught out by this law, particularly when ‘serious’ can be interpreted as just a broken bone.
The degree of punishment levied by a judge can be directly influenced by the Hierarchy of Road Users. If an HGV or LGV vehicle is involved in an incident with one of the most vulnerable road users – a pedestrian, horse rider, cyclist or motorcyclist – the punishment is likely to be more severe, according to sentencing guidelines.
Road Hierarchy will be distributed to McCarron Coates clients but is also available as a download to anyone wishing to get their head around the risks fleet drivers and their employers face, in an easy to grasp way.
The company is also recommending it as an ideal game to play as an accompaniment to tool box talks – or just as a lunchtime diversion.
Paul Coates, McCarron Coates director, said: “Whether you are running an HGV, bus and coach, mini-bus or van fleet, this game has total relevance to you and your livelihood and liberty.
“We’ve created it as a wake-up call, as there is a lot of complacency around the new rules and laws. Fleets really need to think about what’s been happening and respond fast.”
Fellow director, Ian McCarron added: “We have addressed the risk to fleets in different ways, directly offering clients the advantage of having our RTC Crisis Line service, which provides instant, sector-specific legal representation, in person, should any driver be interviewed under police caution.
“Now, we’re communicating the risk in a completely different way, whilst continuing to stress just how essential it is to have the right legal advice, should any driving incident involve the police.”
To download the Road Hierarchy board game and accompanying instructions, head to https://bit.ly/3Z7rDMG
