April 9, 2023 • 19 mins
Welcome to The Road Safety podcast, the podcast that keeps driving for work and how to manage risks, in the minds of people and businesses across Scotland.
With your host, Dr Karen McDonnell - Occupational Safety and Health Policy Adviser at RoSPA.
In this episode, we're discussing the Gig Economy and those who drive and ride for work with Becky Guy, Road Safety Manager at the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents.
Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss an episode - and we’d love it if you could leave a review.
Produced by Fresh Air Production.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Dr. Karen McDonnell (00:03):
Welcome to The Road Safety Podcast with me, Dr. Karen
McDonnell, Occupational Health and Safety Policy Advisor at RoSPA. This
is a podcast that keeps driving and riding for work
and managing the risk in the minds of people and
businesses across Scotland. Our conversations will help you understand where
driving and riding for work sits within the safe system
(00:23):
approach and to think about new and emerging risks. This
podcast is part of the work of the Scottish Occupational
Road Safety Alliance project funded by Transport Scotland and delivered
by RoSPA that not only contributes to Scotland's road safety
framework to 2030 but also RoSPA's strategic objectives relating to
(00:43):
those who drive or ride for work. And for listeners
in the U. K. and wider world, the safe system
and management of occupational road risk principles discussed during this
podcast series can be applied wherever you are. We're back
with a new series because we all have a part
to play in keeping ourselves and each other safe on
the roads. And today's episode is all about the gig economy and
(01:06):
those who drive and ride for work. I'm joined by
Becky Guy, Road Safety Manager England at the Royal Society
for the Prevention of Accidents. Becky's role at RoSPA is
to reduce harm on our roads. She's responsible for developing
projects and both managing and delivering RoSPA's funded road safety
projects for England. She also develops road safety policy, responds
(01:28):
to government consultations and acts as a spokesperson to the media as
well as working on RoSPA's National Road Safety Committee all
in addition to supporting our work here in Scotland. So,
Becky over to you. Can you explain briefly what is
meant by the gig economy?
Becky Guy (01:45):
Of course. So, the gig economy is a relatively recent
development. So, it varies from what we might've traditionally viewed
as a job in that people who work as part of it, they don't get paid a basic
salary like we would've done traditionally. So, instead, they get
paid per gig or a sort of piece rate. So,
(02:09):
they're paid for the work that they complete, and the way that they communicate with the company that
they are gigging for is also different to traditional form
of employment because what they'll usually do is they'll communicate through a mobile app or via the internet. And one of the reasons for many people the gig economy
(02:33):
can be quite an attractive working option is that they can
choose when they work and that allows them to fit
in with their other commitments. So, for example, one might
choose to work around childcare commitments or they might work evenings. In a
lot of cases, this will be a a second job for
people. So, they might go to a traditional job during the day
(02:58):
and then they might work perhaps in the evenings or the weekends for some extra
money and that's why we're particularly interested in it, really.
It's a little bit of a worry that it leads to really long working days
for those who take part in this kind of work,
but I can talk about that later.
Dr. Karen McDonnell (03:15):
Well, thanks very much indeed for the insights there. So,
what types of work? You've given some insights into the
types of work. What types of transport are used by
workers in the gig economy?
Becky Guy (03:26):
So, the types of vehicles that these workers will use
are quite varied. So, some gig workers, they might be
using their own car or another type of vehicle such
as a van and some particularly like food delivery workers,
they might be on motorcycles. And I think it's important to note
(03:47):
that the gig economy work that people do is quite
varied. So, quite often, we'll think of the more common
form. So that might be delivering parcels or food or transporting passengers
as a taxi, but there are some other examples of
things that don't necessarily spring to mind immediately for people.
(04:08):
So, those can include things like software development, it could be going
out and cleaning or even errand running or household repairs.
Dr. Karen McDonnell (04:17):
So, really, when I'm listening to that sort of array of different types
of transport, there's probably nobody that's listening into this podcast
that isn't in contact with the gig economy in way,
shape, or form. So, really, has much has this sector
grown in the last few years?
Becky Guy (04:33):
The sector as a whole is growing hugely and we can expect that
to continue. So, there aren't many published figures on how
many people are working as part of this economy, but I
did some find some fairly recent ones that in 2021,
in England and Wales alone, there were 4. 4 million
(04:54):
people working in gig economy. And it's thought that over... So,
from 2016 to 2021, the number of people working as part of the gig
economy practically tripled. It's thought that around a quarter of workers have done some of this gig economy
(05:14):
work at some point. And that's up from just one
in 10 in 2016 and what we know is that the proportion of
people who are carrying out this gig economy work at
least once a week has more than quadrupled in delivery
and driving occupations. And it's more than doubled in household
(05:35):
services too. So, in terms of why the gig economy
is particularly interesting from a road safety perspective, most of the
gig economy workers use the roads as part of their work. So, what we know is that driving's one of the most dangerous activities that we do and driving for work is more risky than it is for driving for private reasons. So, at work, drivers will crash more often and that's
(06:03):
even after that whole moment is taken into account. And they're more
likely to take risks and to be at fault when
they are in those collisions. And these crashes aren't necessarily
because someone's driving skills or their attitudes, but it's the nature of
the work that they're required to do. So, they might have to deliver things and that
(06:27):
might lead to unsafe schedules that can be... They can
cause fatigue and there's also the time pressures of having
to deliver things on time and often having to respond
to new pieces of work and work messages while they're driving.
Dr. Karen McDonnell (06:45):
So, it really is a rapidly growing sector. There's much commonality
in terms of the types of driving. Could you, first
of all then, focus on driving for work in the gig
economy? I think the terms safe vehicle, safe journey, and
safe and healthy driver are really part and parcel of
conversations about road safety and driving risks. So, what safe
(07:07):
vehicle checks should be made before starting work?
Becky Guy (07:10):
Sure. So, there are lots of vehicle checks that you can make and I think
the key thing to always remember is that if you're driving a
vehicle for work, then it's your responsibility to make sure
that it's in a safe, legal, and roadworthy condition. So,
what we would always advise is that before driving any
vehicles, you check that your tires are undamaged. So, there are no
(07:34):
cuts and bulges. That they're inflated to the correct pressure
and that they have enough tread depth. Also look for
things like vehicle damage, you can look at the oil coolant and windscreen
wash levels when the engine's cold. You also need to
(07:55):
check things like the brakes. See whether they're working. Check that
all your lights and indicators are working and that your mirrors are correctly positioned. And I think another thing to check is that you can see and reach
all of the vehicle controls comfortably and that your view
isn't obstructed by objects. So, perhaps you might have your
(08:19):
phone in a cradle, for example, while you're driving. So, make sure that's not being in your line of vision. And what it's also
worth doing sometimes is speaking to the company that you're
gigging for and finding out whether they've got a pre- drive
checklist that you can refer to. Another thing to probably
(08:42):
check if you're delivering things is you need to check
that your vehicle's loaded safely. So, it would be illegal
and it would be dangerous to drive a vehicle that's overloaded or that isn't securely loaded and as the driver, you're responsible for making sure that any load you're carrying is legal and safe. So, what we'd
(09:04):
recommend is putting things into the boot rather than the
passenger compartment, and making sure that you distribute that load
evenly and don't pack things too high in the rear so that you can't see out of the back window. And something that we sometimes see is that people will put loose items on the dashboard. Perhaps the item that they're delivering next, but it's really important not to do that because if you do, unfortunately, end up in a crash, those things can become a missile. And then what you should also consider is whether the vehicle you're actually driving is suitable. So,
(09:41):
if you're carrying lots and lots of parcels, for example, regularly, it
might be that a van would be better to use than your own car.
Dr. Karen McDonnell (09:49):
Those are great insights and certainly probably the type of
checks each of us should be doing on our vehicles before
even going out onto the roads, nevermind starting work on
a daily basis. Becky, you've alluded to the whole challenge
about journey planning and the type of work, uh, that the driver
is doing that is directed by the people that they're gigging
for. What basics should be considered by the driver to
(10:12):
reduce road risk?
Becky Guy (10:14):
Yeah, so I think that's a really, really important point. So, journey planning is a really important part of driving or riding and it's
so important because it can help you to prevent becoming
tired during your journey and this is really important when
you're driving or riding for work because you might be driving or riding for a longer period of time than you're used to. Particularly if this is
(10:38):
a second job and you're working all day and then doing extra
work in the evening. Think about the usual things you'd do when you're driving not for work. So,
avoid, if you can, driving after a really long shift
or, for example, if you've got home from work and
had a drink of alcohol. Make sure you're not driving
then, or if you've taken any medicines that might make you feel
(11:02):
tired. Other things to consider are the weather conditions. So,
check the weather forecast and traffic reports before you set
off and try to avoid driving in any poor conditions.
If your employer has any limits on maximum driving distances
or times, make sure that you follow those and then
(11:24):
think about, while you're out delivering or whatever it might
be that you're doing, plan when you can take a break every two hours or so and build
in enough time to do that. We'd say probably try
to take 15 minutes at least every two hours that
you're traveling. If you are feeling tired, find somewhere safe to stop.
(11:48):
We recommend drinking two strong cups of coffee and taking
a short nap. But remember that sleep's the only cure
for tiredness, so if you reach that point, it's probably worth thinking about leaving it for the day there and finding an overnight stop or returning home. And then finally we'd say, if you are really concerned about your driving hours or your journey or your schedules, make sure that you speak to your employer and let them know that you can't continue to do that. It's important to let them know if you find yourself in that position, really.
Dr. Karen McDonnell (12:24):
So, it is really all about having that conversation with the people
that you're working in association with and you mentioned there
driver tiredness. Where does fitness to drive and that whole
piece about being a safe and healthy driver sit? And
what other pressures might impact on the driver?
Becky Guy (12:40):
Yeah. So, physical and mental health will play a massive
part in your ability to drive safely. So, for example,
if you've got a medical condition that could affect your
ability to drive safely, then you'd need to inform the DVLA and you should also speak to your employer. Be
honest. Speak about any fitness to drive concerns and let them know how that might impact on your driving and also
(13:07):
speak to a doctor, of course. So, in terms of
things that are quite common. So, we need to always, if we're driving or riding,
we always need to be thinking about our eyesight. So,
in good daylight, you need to be able to read a vehicle number
plate from 20 meters which is roughly, um, five car
(13:28):
lengths. So, to keep your eyesight safe for the roads, what
we would recommend doing is having your eyesight checked regularly.
At least once every two years or more often if
the optician recommends it. It's also worth thinking about things
like common illnesses so things like a cold, migraine, stomach upset. Things like that can really impact
(13:56):
on our ability to drive safely, so if we're not feeling well, we need to be thinking about whether we're actually
fit to drive or whether it would be better for us and for
all of us concerned if we just take the day off and not drive until we're feeling
better because sometimes, the medications that we take for these illnesses can also impact on our ability to drive. And then, of course, there's also alcohol. So, alcohol can make us over-confident and more likely to take risks. So, make sure that you're always under the drink-drive limit. So, in Scotland, it's 50 milligrams of alcohol per hundred mil of blood. And slightly higher in England and Wales, but our advice would be, if you're drinking alcohol, you shouldn't be heading out on a journey at all.
Dr. Karen McDonnell (14:11):
Thanks very much indeed for that overview. We've been speaking about driving for work.
(14:50):
We also have in the gig economy people on bikes
or powered two- wheelers who are in essence vulnerable road
users. What in addition to vehicle checks, journey planning, and
fitness to ride should cyclists and riders consider from a
road safety perspective?
Becky Guy (15:05):
Sure. So, I think some of the main things we've covered. So, it's making sure that the vehicle's safe, that you've planned your journey well and that you're
well to undertake that journey, but I think in addition to that, the main reason
that we're more vulnerable when we're on two wheels is
that we don't have that protection of the metal shell
(15:25):
that a vehicle offers if we are involved in an accident. So, things that we can do, we can consider taking
additional training such as that offered by charities and training
schools. And that can help us to learn to ride in a way that helps keep us safe on the roads. But I think of course there too drivers can also be taking extra training and lots of the onus is on them to look out for us when we're on two
(15:52):
wheels. We should all be looking out for one another on the roads and treating others as we'd like to be treated ourselves. Another thing to consider with being on two wheels, though, is also wearing the right gear, so if you're a motorcyclist, you must wear a helmet, but things like backing jackets, gloves, goggles, boots, and trousers, they offer additional protection in the event that you are involved in a collision and we also recommend for cyclists that they wear a helmet. Although, of course, with cyclists, this is a personal choice, but it is something that we recommend.
Dr. Karen McDonnell (15:53):
I think the phrase that came into my head when you
(16:32):
were speaking there, Becky, is one that I've heard Roger Bibbins use. All
the gear all the time. So, it's all about understanding
what you can use in terms of limiting harm in
the event of a collision. So, really, our roads are
shared space. The changes to the highway code here in
the U. K. were very clear when they came in
(16:54):
this time last year, actually, in that those with greater
power have greater responsibility. So, how can we increase an understanding
of the issues and help road users understand these from
a different perspective?
Becky Guy (17:05):
Yeah, so I think some of the best ways to raise awareness
is to share these challenges that these riders and drivers are facing. So, for example, driver fatigue, et cetera, and share them with some of the companies that people are gigging for. So
the culinary and food delivery companies and the passenger services. I
(17:29):
think essentially what we need to do is look at
ways in which we can offer this platform and gig
economy work which is unlikely to be going anywhere any time soon
without encouraging people to drive and ride under these really
tight pressured schedules. Especially when they're tired or unwell or the weather's
(17:52):
poor. And the road safety community and these gig economy companies could work together here
to come up with some solutions that would help to reduce the
risk for these workers.
Dr. Karen McDonnell (18:03):
And so how can having this type of conversation that we're
having today through the ScORSA Network made a difference? Where
do you think we can potentiate the conversation?
Becky Guy (18:13):
Yeah, so I think it's an awareness rising piece, really. In that talking about these issues spreads awareness of some of the issues that these drivers and riders are facing. And those include the things like those highly pressured schedules, a higher risk of becoming tired, and particularly for those that are working more than
(18:38):
one job. And I think by talking about it and sharing the best practice,
I hope that we can reach some of those workers and help them
to understand how they can keep themselves and others safe on the roads. And I think it's also important
to try and reach the companies themselves too so that they can think about how they can make the nature of work that
they're offering safer for those people that are taking it on.
Dr. Karen McDonnell (19:04):
Well, that's great. Thanks very much indeed. Certainly, having this
conversation through the ScORSA Network is something that will be
happening going forward during 2023. So, thanks very much for
these insights, Becky. So, thanks to our guest, Becky Guy,
Road Safety Manager England at the Royal Society for the
(19:24):
Prevention of Accidents and thanks to you for listening. Don't
forget to subscribe to the podcast on your usual podcast provider
so you don't miss an episode. And we'd love it
if you could leave a review. It really makes the
podcast easier for others to find. The Road Safety Podcast
is produced by Fresh Air Production. I'm Karen McDonnell and
thanks for listening.
Welcome to The Road Safety Podcast with me, Dr. Karen
McDonnell, Occupational Health and Safety Policy Advisor at RoSPA. This
is a podcast that keeps driving and riding for work
and managing the risk in the minds of people and
businesses across Scotland. Our conversations will help you understand where
driving and riding for work sits within the safe system
(00:23):
approach and to think about new and emerging risks. This
podcast is part of the work of the Scottish Occupational
Road Safety Alliance project funded by Transport Scotland and delivered
by RoSPA that not only contributes to Scotland's road safety
framework to 2030 but also RoSPA's strategic objectives relating to
(00:43):
those who drive or ride for work. And for listeners
in the U. K. and wider world, the safe system
and management of occupational road risk principles discussed during this
podcast series can be applied wherever you are. We're back
with a new series because we all have a part
to play in keeping ourselves and each other safe on
the roads. And today's episode is all about the gig economy and
(01:06):
those who drive and ride for work. I'm joined by
Becky Guy, Road Safety Manager England at the Royal Society
for the Prevention of Accidents. Becky's role at RoSPA is
to reduce harm on our roads. She's responsible for developing
projects and both managing and delivering RoSPA's funded road safety
projects for England. She also develops road safety policy, responds
(01:28):
to government consultations and acts as a spokesperson to the media as
well as working on RoSPA's National Road Safety Committee all
in addition to supporting our work here in Scotland. So,
Becky over to you. Can you explain briefly what is
meant by the gig economy?
Becky Guy (01:45):
Of course. So, the gig economy is a relatively recent
development. So, it varies from what we might've traditionally viewed
as a job in that people who work as part of it, they don't get paid a basic
salary like we would've done traditionally. So, instead, they get
paid per gig or a sort of piece rate. So,
(02:09):
they're paid for the work that they complete, and the way that they communicate with the company that
they are gigging for is also different to traditional form
of employment because what they'll usually do is they'll communicate through a mobile app or via the internet. And one of the reasons for many people the gig economy
(02:33):
can be quite an attractive working option is that they can
choose when they work and that allows them to fit
in with their other commitments. So, for example, one might
choose to work around childcare commitments or they might work evenings. In a
lot of cases, this will be a a second job for
people. So, they might go to a traditional job during the day
(02:58):
and then they might work perhaps in the evenings or the weekends for some extra
money and that's why we're particularly interested in it, really.
It's a little bit of a worry that it leads to really long working days
for those who take part in this kind of work,
but I can talk about that later.
Dr. Karen McDonnell (03:15):
Well, thanks very much indeed for the insights there. So,
what types of work? You've given some insights into the
types of work. What types of transport are used by
workers in the gig economy?
Becky Guy (03:26):
So, the types of vehicles that these workers will use
are quite varied. So, some gig workers, they might be
using their own car or another type of vehicle such
as a van and some particularly like food delivery workers,
they might be on motorcycles. And I think it's important to note
(03:47):
that the gig economy work that people do is quite
varied. So, quite often, we'll think of the more common
form. So that might be delivering parcels or food or transporting passengers
as a taxi, but there are some other examples of
things that don't necessarily spring to mind immediately for people.
(04:08):
So, those can include things like software development, it could be going
out and cleaning or even errand running or household repairs.
Dr. Karen McDonnell (04:17):
So, really, when I'm listening to that sort of array of different types
of transport, there's probably nobody that's listening into this podcast
that isn't in contact with the gig economy in way,
shape, or form. So, really, has much has this sector
grown in the last few years?
Becky Guy (04:33):
The sector as a whole is growing hugely and we can expect that
to continue. So, there aren't many published figures on how
many people are working as part of this economy, but I
did some find some fairly recent ones that in 2021,
in England and Wales alone, there were 4. 4 million
(04:54):
people working in gig economy. And it's thought that over... So,
from 2016 to 2021, the number of people working as part of the gig
economy practically tripled. It's thought that around a quarter of workers have done some of this gig economy
(05:14):
work at some point. And that's up from just one
in 10 in 2016 and what we know is that the proportion of
people who are carrying out this gig economy work at
least once a week has more than quadrupled in delivery
and driving occupations. And it's more than doubled in household
(05:35):
services too. So, in terms of why the gig economy
is particularly interesting from a road safety perspective, most of the
gig economy workers use the roads as part of their work. So, what we know is that driving's one of the most dangerous activities that we do and driving for work is more risky than it is for driving for private reasons. So, at work, drivers will crash more often and that's
(06:03):
even after that whole moment is taken into account. And they're more
likely to take risks and to be at fault when
they are in those collisions. And these crashes aren't necessarily
because someone's driving skills or their attitudes, but it's the nature of
the work that they're required to do. So, they might have to deliver things and that
(06:27):
might lead to unsafe schedules that can be... They can
cause fatigue and there's also the time pressures of having
to deliver things on time and often having to respond
to new pieces of work and work messages while they're driving.
Dr. Karen McDonnell (06:45):
So, it really is a rapidly growing sector. There's much commonality
in terms of the types of driving. Could you, first
of all then, focus on driving for work in the gig
economy? I think the terms safe vehicle, safe journey, and
safe and healthy driver are really part and parcel of
conversations about road safety and driving risks. So, what safe
(07:07):
vehicle checks should be made before starting work?
Becky Guy (07:10):
Sure. So, there are lots of vehicle checks that you can make and I think
the key thing to always remember is that if you're driving a
vehicle for work, then it's your responsibility to make sure
that it's in a safe, legal, and roadworthy condition. So,
what we would always advise is that before driving any
vehicles, you check that your tires are undamaged. So, there are no
(07:34):
cuts and bulges. That they're inflated to the correct pressure
and that they have enough tread depth. Also look for
things like vehicle damage, you can look at the oil coolant and windscreen
wash levels when the engine's cold. You also need to
(07:55):
check things like the brakes. See whether they're working. Check that
all your lights and indicators are working and that your mirrors are correctly positioned. And I think another thing to check is that you can see and reach
all of the vehicle controls comfortably and that your view
isn't obstructed by objects. So, perhaps you might have your
(08:19):
phone in a cradle, for example, while you're driving. So, make sure that's not being in your line of vision. And what it's also
worth doing sometimes is speaking to the company that you're
gigging for and finding out whether they've got a pre- drive
checklist that you can refer to. Another thing to probably
(08:42):
check if you're delivering things is you need to check
that your vehicle's loaded safely. So, it would be illegal
and it would be dangerous to drive a vehicle that's overloaded or that isn't securely loaded and as the driver, you're responsible for making sure that any load you're carrying is legal and safe. So, what we'd
(09:04):
recommend is putting things into the boot rather than the
passenger compartment, and making sure that you distribute that load
evenly and don't pack things too high in the rear so that you can't see out of the back window. And something that we sometimes see is that people will put loose items on the dashboard. Perhaps the item that they're delivering next, but it's really important not to do that because if you do, unfortunately, end up in a crash, those things can become a missile. And then what you should also consider is whether the vehicle you're actually driving is suitable. So,
(09:41):
if you're carrying lots and lots of parcels, for example, regularly, it
might be that a van would be better to use than your own car.
Dr. Karen McDonnell (09:49):
Those are great insights and certainly probably the type of
checks each of us should be doing on our vehicles before
even going out onto the roads, nevermind starting work on
a daily basis. Becky, you've alluded to the whole challenge
about journey planning and the type of work, uh, that the driver
is doing that is directed by the people that they're gigging
for. What basics should be considered by the driver to
(10:12):
reduce road risk?
Becky Guy (10:14):
Yeah, so I think that's a really, really important point. So, journey planning is a really important part of driving or riding and it's
so important because it can help you to prevent becoming
tired during your journey and this is really important when
you're driving or riding for work because you might be driving or riding for a longer period of time than you're used to. Particularly if this is
(10:38):
a second job and you're working all day and then doing extra
work in the evening. Think about the usual things you'd do when you're driving not for work. So,
avoid, if you can, driving after a really long shift
or, for example, if you've got home from work and
had a drink of alcohol. Make sure you're not driving
then, or if you've taken any medicines that might make you feel
(11:02):
tired. Other things to consider are the weather conditions. So,
check the weather forecast and traffic reports before you set
off and try to avoid driving in any poor conditions.
If your employer has any limits on maximum driving distances
or times, make sure that you follow those and then
(11:24):
think about, while you're out delivering or whatever it might
be that you're doing, plan when you can take a break every two hours or so and build
in enough time to do that. We'd say probably try
to take 15 minutes at least every two hours that
you're traveling. If you are feeling tired, find somewhere safe to stop.
(11:48):
We recommend drinking two strong cups of coffee and taking
a short nap. But remember that sleep's the only cure
for tiredness, so if you reach that point, it's probably worth thinking about leaving it for the day there and finding an overnight stop or returning home. And then finally we'd say, if you are really concerned about your driving hours or your journey or your schedules, make sure that you speak to your employer and let them know that you can't continue to do that. It's important to let them know if you find yourself in that position, really.
Dr. Karen McDonnell (12:24):
So, it is really all about having that conversation with the people
that you're working in association with and you mentioned there
driver tiredness. Where does fitness to drive and that whole
piece about being a safe and healthy driver sit? And
what other pressures might impact on the driver?
Becky Guy (12:40):
Yeah. So, physical and mental health will play a massive
part in your ability to drive safely. So, for example,
if you've got a medical condition that could affect your
ability to drive safely, then you'd need to inform the DVLA and you should also speak to your employer. Be
honest. Speak about any fitness to drive concerns and let them know how that might impact on your driving and also
(13:07):
speak to a doctor, of course. So, in terms of
things that are quite common. So, we need to always, if we're driving or riding,
we always need to be thinking about our eyesight. So,
in good daylight, you need to be able to read a vehicle number
plate from 20 meters which is roughly, um, five car
(13:28):
lengths. So, to keep your eyesight safe for the roads, what
we would recommend doing is having your eyesight checked regularly.
At least once every two years or more often if
the optician recommends it. It's also worth thinking about things
like common illnesses so things like a cold, migraine, stomach upset. Things like that can really impact
(13:56):
on our ability to drive safely, so if we're not feeling well, we need to be thinking about whether we're actually
fit to drive or whether it would be better for us and for
all of us concerned if we just take the day off and not drive until we're feeling
better because sometimes, the medications that we take for these illnesses can also impact on our ability to drive. And then, of course, there's also alcohol. So, alcohol can make us over-confident and more likely to take risks. So, make sure that you're always under the drink-drive limit. So, in Scotland, it's 50 milligrams of alcohol per hundred mil of blood. And slightly higher in England and Wales, but our advice would be, if you're drinking alcohol, you shouldn't be heading out on a journey at all.
Dr. Karen McDonnell (14:11):
Thanks very much indeed for that overview. We've been speaking about driving for work.
(14:50):
We also have in the gig economy people on bikes
or powered two- wheelers who are in essence vulnerable road
users. What in addition to vehicle checks, journey planning, and
fitness to ride should cyclists and riders consider from a
road safety perspective?
Becky Guy (15:05):
Sure. So, I think some of the main things we've covered. So, it's making sure that the vehicle's safe, that you've planned your journey well and that you're
well to undertake that journey, but I think in addition to that, the main reason
that we're more vulnerable when we're on two wheels is
that we don't have that protection of the metal shell
(15:25):
that a vehicle offers if we are involved in an accident. So, things that we can do, we can consider taking
additional training such as that offered by charities and training
schools. And that can help us to learn to ride in a way that helps keep us safe on the roads. But I think of course there too drivers can also be taking extra training and lots of the onus is on them to look out for us when we're on two
(15:52):
wheels. We should all be looking out for one another on the roads and treating others as we'd like to be treated ourselves. Another thing to consider with being on two wheels, though, is also wearing the right gear, so if you're a motorcyclist, you must wear a helmet, but things like backing jackets, gloves, goggles, boots, and trousers, they offer additional protection in the event that you are involved in a collision and we also recommend for cyclists that they wear a helmet. Although, of course, with cyclists, this is a personal choice, but it is something that we recommend.
Dr. Karen McDonnell (15:53):
I think the phrase that came into my head when you
(16:32):
were speaking there, Becky, is one that I've heard Roger Bibbins use. All
the gear all the time. So, it's all about understanding
what you can use in terms of limiting harm in
the event of a collision. So, really, our roads are
shared space. The changes to the highway code here in
the U. K. were very clear when they came in
(16:54):
this time last year, actually, in that those with greater
power have greater responsibility. So, how can we increase an understanding
of the issues and help road users understand these from
a different perspective?
Becky Guy (17:05):
Yeah, so I think some of the best ways to raise awareness
is to share these challenges that these riders and drivers are facing. So, for example, driver fatigue, et cetera, and share them with some of the companies that people are gigging for. So
the culinary and food delivery companies and the passenger services. I
(17:29):
think essentially what we need to do is look at
ways in which we can offer this platform and gig
economy work which is unlikely to be going anywhere any time soon
without encouraging people to drive and ride under these really
tight pressured schedules. Especially when they're tired or unwell or the weather's
(17:52):
poor. And the road safety community and these gig economy companies could work together here
to come up with some solutions that would help to reduce the
risk for these workers.
Dr. Karen McDonnell (18:03):
And so how can having this type of conversation that we're
having today through the ScORSA Network made a difference? Where
do you think we can potentiate the conversation?
Becky Guy (18:13):
Yeah, so I think it's an awareness rising piece, really. In that talking about these issues spreads awareness of some of the issues that these drivers and riders are facing. And those include the things like those highly pressured schedules, a higher risk of becoming tired, and particularly for those that are working more than
(18:38):
one job. And I think by talking about it and sharing the best practice,
I hope that we can reach some of those workers and help them
to understand how they can keep themselves and others safe on the roads. And I think it's also important
to try and reach the companies themselves too so that they can think about how they can make the nature of work that
they're offering safer for those people that are taking it on.
Dr. Karen McDonnell (19:04):
Well, that's great. Thanks very much indeed. Certainly, having this
conversation through the ScORSA Network is something that will be
happening going forward during 2023. So, thanks very much for
these insights, Becky. So, thanks to our guest, Becky Guy,
Road Safety Manager England at the Royal Society for the
(19:24):
Prevention of Accidents and thanks to you for listening. Don't
forget to subscribe to the podcast on your usual podcast provider
so you don't miss an episode. And we'd love it
if you could leave a review. It really makes the
podcast easier for others to find. The Road Safety Podcast
is produced by Fresh Air Production. I'm Karen McDonnell and
thanks for listening.
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