Speeding on private sites

The dangers of returning to the working environment

Offices, warehouses, campuses and sites across the country have stood empty for months but with the easing off lockdown restrictions we are now seeing employees return in large numbers. Whilst many people are celebrating a return to the working environment, this is posing a concern to the health and safety managers of these buildings and private sites, who are conscious of the increased level of danger larger volumes of pedestrians coming back on sites can create. Interactions with vehicles where speeding may have become an issue has now become an everyday challenge.

A growing worry for HSEQ managers on private sites

During the numerous lockdowns over the last 18 months, those still required to drive onto private sites will have witnessed each become their own ghost town.

Some HSEQ managers believe this has allowed bad habits to creep in for those drivers still on the roads, lowering their compliance to speed limits and road safety practices.

The changing habits of lockdown drivers

According to Arity, a mobility data analytics company founded by Allstate, there was a 50% increase in crashes above 70mph after the start of the pandemic. They stated back in May 2020 that “people are driving differently”.

In a survey of 2,003 drivers carried out by the solicitors Kenway Miller, motorists admitted to taking advantage of the open roads to drive much faster than usual and check their mirrors less frequently. Drivers have also admitted to using their phones more whilst driving; texting or emailing, checking social media and even shopping online.

Speeding on private sites

TWM regularly speak to their customers about the problems they are facing and have recently had several discussions around the issue of speeding on private sites or campuses. When we review the statistics, it is easy to see why this has become a concern for site managers.

With increased traffic on the roads as well as pedestrian traffic, extra road safety measures may need to be brought into place in order to avoid a rise in road traffic incidents.

In order to highlight pedestrian walkways in the workplace, additional signage can be introduced to draw drivers’ attention to their presence. A way in which to improve safety is clearly marked walkways and crossing points enhanced with the use of a Daybright crossing solution.

Clear and correct information can be relayed through implementing LED signage, with amber corner flashers an additional option for ultimate visual impact. Bespoke signs can be manufactured with personalised Covid safety messaging. Alternatively, signs such as an INFO1000 with free text can allow messages to be updated to advise both pedestrians and motorists of a range of messages at different times.

Vehicle activated signage

Options to consider are vehicle activate signage such as the Mini300 speed indication device. Versatile signage that can be moved around a site to key speeding hotspots can be an effective way of drawing drivers’ attention to their speed. The sign can also display a happy/sad face or a ‘Slow Down’ or ‘Thank you’ message to further help with compliance to the speed limit.

Powering your solution

Most signage can be powered by battery, mains power or renewable energy sources subject to your site location, and so set-up and installation is quick and easy. Speeding on private sites has become a common symptom of Covid, but with the correct road safety measures put in place, facilities managers can limit the risk of accidents happening on their sites.

Speak to our team about ways to improve road safety on your site.

TWM forms part of The Pilot Group, click here for more information.