The average age of HGV licence acquisition candidates passing through Driver Hire Training is well below the industry average – late 30s if you were wondering. This new cohort of Gen Z drivers were brought up in the midst of the tech revolution – computers, mobiles, hashtags and more, a common currency.
Not so the majority of experienced goods vehicle drivers currently working behind the wheel. Most probably fall into GenX (born 1965-1980) or even Boomers (born 1946-1964). Without wanting to stereotype, it’s more than likely that drivers in this age bracket find tech a bit more challenging.
And that can have an impact on their work. A fact that debated at a recent Destination Zero Bridge Strikes national forum. This is what Gary Byrne, head of transport development at Evri had to say: “We’re asking people who didn’t grow up with smartphones to juggle with three apps before they’ve even started the engine.”
Members of the forum felt that cognitive health must be considered alongside technological advancements. Excessive reliance on technology could undermine a driver’s judgement said the RHA’s James Barwise: “When you rely on a system to think for you, awareness drops. Bridge strikes happen in the real world – not on a dashboard.”
An industry myth was busted at the forum – that agency drivers have a higher bridge strike count. Not so according to the Office of Traffic Commissioners. A conclusion backed by Andy Rodley, Operations Director at DHL Supply Chain. “Our data showed no correlation between agency drivers and (bridge strike) incidents.”
According to the BBC’s news website the most struck bridge in the year March 24-April 25 is on the A5 Watling Street at Hinckley, chalking up a bruising 22 hits. Not too far behind is a bridge on Harlaston Road, Grantham, Lincolnshire (18 hits) followed by Stuntly Road, Ely, Cambridgeshire (15 hits). Bridge bashing is a serious matter – 2023 figures from transport body, Midlands Connect estimated that delays caused by bridge strikes costs the economy in the region of £126,000 every time a bridge strike happens.