Head Office

Ian Cuthbert, Assistant Secretary

150 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London, SW19 1RX

(020-8971 7508       .icuthbert@cwu.org "www.cwu.org     

VIA EMAIL

Your Reference         

Our Reference            IC/LEL  CS.5.9

Date                            30 November 2005

TO:     Branches with Engineering Members in BT

            Engineering RDA Secretaries

            T&FS Engineering Executive

 Dear Colleague,

Winter is Coming – Drive Safely

Please find below, for your information, a message from Charlie McKay, Employee Relations Director, on the above subject.

Yours sincerely,

IAN CUTHBERT

Assistant Secretary

Encs.

This message has been sent on behalf of Charlie McKay, Employee Relations Director, to everyone in BT Retail for information.

Winter is coming - drive safely

Work related road safety has always had a high priority, and the programmes we have launched have made a real contribution to road safety and been acclaimed externally. The next development in this programme will be the launch of "Road Risk", a web based training package aimed at encouraging drivers to think about their driving styles and habits. This will be available for all BT Retail people by the end of January 2006. Look out for further information about how this will make good drivers better.

In the meantime we have now entered the winter period and the following brief will provide some practical guidance whilst driving.

The end of British Summer Time on 30 October heralded the beginning of the most dangerous time of year on our roads. Last November saw road accidents involving 3320 pedestrians of whom 1137 were children. Added to this, recent news stories warning that weather patterns over the Atlantic mean we are facing the most severe winter since the early 1960s.

There is no doubt that bad weather and longer nights pose a danger -with about fifty percent of all reported road traffic accidents at night occurring in wet conditions; even though in the UK it is wet on average only 10% of the nights.

3pm and 6pm is also a dangerous time - when drivers are going home after a busy day at work and children are making their way home from school. During the summer up to a quarter of all accidents happen during these hours, but when the clocks go back, heavy traffic and rapidly deteriorating light increases this statistic to a third.

Now is therefore a good time to focus on staying safe on the road this winter - whether you are driving on work business or in your own time.

Before you drive

Driving in winter weather - falling leaves, snow, ice, wet and cold -- creates a great challenge for vehicles and drivers. Keeping yourself and your vehicle in good technical repair reduces your overall chances of any mishap or disaster while driving in winter weather. To prepare your vehicle for winter driving give it a complete check-up - electrical system (battery, ignition and lights); brakes; tyres; exhaust; wipers; fluids, radiator/antifreeze and heating/cooling system. Keep your fuel tank near to full to ensure that you do not run out.

In really extreme weather, prepare an emergency kit for your car. Include things that prepare you for the unexpected -- what would you need if you found yourself stranded miles from help during a snow storm? Include things like warm clothing, boots, gloves or mittens, flashlight with fresh batteries, blankets, and fresh first-aid supplies.

During bad weather let people know where you are going, your route of travel, and when you expect to arrive. Plan your driving and likely arrival time in advance. Never drive if fatigued or under the influence of alcohol. Allow for extra travelling time or even consider delaying a trip if the weather is inclement. Is an alternative method of travel possible? Listen to weather forecasts, and if weather and visibility are hazardous, ask yourself 'is this trip really necessary?'

On the road

Drive according to current road and weather conditions. Whenever driving conditions are less than ideal, it pays to be cautious. Make sure that all windows (front, side and rear) and mirrors are clear and that wipers and defrosters are in good working condition. Drive slowly with low beam headlights on if visibility is poor, test your brakes frequently, leave a bigger gap and never tailgate. Posted speed limits are for ideal travel conditions. Driving at reduced speeds, in a lower gear and at a safe distance from the vehicle in front are the best precautionary measures against any misfortune while driving on slippery roads. Lengthen your following distance behind the vehicle ahead of you - stopping distances double on slippery roads.

If the worst happens

If you get stranded, don't panic. Keep yourself safe, and follow the detailed procedures in your BT driver's handbook if you are in a work vehicle. In your own vehicle you should contact the appropriate support organisation, such as the AA or RAC and follow their guidance.

Safe driving this winter

Remember to make sure you and your vehicle are in top condition; plan your journeys and adapt your driving style to allow for the road and weather conditions.

Charlie McKay
Employee Relations Director