Volvo Trucks has created a new global safety programme for cyclists to improve understanding of how unprotected road users and HGVs can interact on the roads.
It was launched last month at the International Cycling Safety Conference in Bologna, Italy, and is a continuation of the manufacturer's existing road safety programme for young children, 'Stop Look Wave'.
‘See and Be Seen’ focuses on how important it is for cyclists to watch surrounding traffic and to make themselves visible to truck drivers, for instance, by maintaining eye contact and ensuring they keep a safe distance away.
“With the fast pace of today’s traffic, it is vital that as many people as possible are aware of the risks in order to avoid incidents,” said Carl Johan Almqvist, traffic and product safety director at Volvo Trucks.
The training programme is designed to be used for secondary school children from 12 years upwards, but is also suitable for traffic-safety organisations working with adults. It includes teacher aids such as presentation materials, films and practical exercises.
“In order to reduce the risk of traffic accidents, we equip our trucks with increasingly intelligent safety systems and train truck drivers in the art of safe driving. However, since the human factor is of crucial significance in most traffic accidents, it is vital to increase safety awareness among all road-users,” added Almqvist.
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