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Archives April 2020

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Everything You Need to Know About Smart Motorways.

Here at Flexistaff Solutions, we’re all about helping out drivers. From driver CPC training to forklift training, if it’s driving-related, we’re on it. And recently, we’ve been hearing a lot of talk about smart motorways.

There’s been some confusion in recent times as to what a smart motorway is. Who they effect, what they do, that kind of stuff. So, we’ve decided to give you the lowdown and tell you everything there is to know about smart motorways. So, let’s begin.

What Is a Smart Motorway?

First things first – no, a smart motorway is not a life-size Scalextric track. So, get that fantasy out of your head.

A smart motorway is a section of a motorway that uses technology to help ease congestion. As of the time of publishing, there are 3 different types of smart motorways. The three are:

Controlled – People cannot drive in the hard shoulder of this type.

Dynamic Hard Shoulder – The hard shoulder can be opened when needed.

ALR/All Lanes Running – The hard shoulder is now a permanent lane.

How Do Smart Highways Work?

When congestion is detected on a smart highway, overhead displays and signs will inform drivers that the hard shoulder can be used as a lane. This will be on a part-time or permanent basis, depending on the conditions of the congestion. The idea is to help ease congestion in a certain area and prevent any serious delays.

These boards will also display any speed limit changes in operation on the motorway. Once again, this may take effect if congestion or other variables are detected. The conditions of the motorways are checked by one of several central hubs. These hubs contain personnel who will decide when to open/close lanes, open the hard shoulder, and adjust speed limits.

Additionally, drivers will be given a 60-second grace period regarding their speed on smart motorways. This means that when drivers are informed of a reduction in the variable speed limit by the overhead signs, they have 60 seconds to reduce their speed. After this time, speed cameras will begin to enforce the new speed limit. This process prevents drivers from breaking sharply and helps avoids unnecessary panic in drivers.

What Happens If I Break Down on a Smart Motorway?

If you’re unfortunate enough to break down or have an accident on an area of smart motorway, there are currently two options being provided.

The first is that, if you can, to take yourself to a dedicated emergency area marked out with blue signs displaying an orange SOS symbol. These areas are equally spread out along smart motorways to provide the best coverage to drivers. Reports claim that, if you’re driving at 60mph, you should be in the proximity of an emergency area every 75 seconds. This allows drivers the opportunity to make their way into these areas without too much trouble.

However, if you’re unable to make it to these emergency areas, drivers are advised to pull up as close as possible to the left-hand verge, boundary, or slip road. Switch on all hazard lights and, if visibility is poor, rear fog and sidelights. The driver and any passengers should leave the vehicle only if it is safe to do so and should wait on the other side of any safety barriers, well clear of the vehicle.

If the driver and passengers are unable to exit the vehicle, perhaps due to being in the middle or inside lanes, remain calm. Keep your seatbelts fastened, turn on your hazard warning lights, and call 999. This is where the technology used on smart motorways comes into play. As the CCTV cameras will locate your position, assess the situation, and close lanes accordingly. This will be displayed to fellow drivers via overhead display signs, notifying them of lane closures well in advance. This will help to avoid congestion and traffic when incidents such as breakdowns occur.

Where Are the Smart Motorways?

As of January 2020, there are several stretches of motorway in the UK that are now operating as smart motorways. The complete list is as follows:

M1.

  • Junction 16 – 19.
  • Junction 23a – 25.
  • Junction 28 – 31.
  • Junction 32 – 35a.
  • Junction 39 – 42.

M3.

  • Junction 2 – 4a.

M4.

  • Junction 19 – 20.

M5.

  • Junction 4a – 6.
  • Junction 15 – 17.

M6.

  • Junction 10a – 13.
  • Junction 16 – 19.

M25.

  • Junction 5 – 7.
  • Junction 23 – 27.

M62.

  • Junction 25 – 26.

Is There Anything Else I Need to Know About Smart Motorways?

Currently, many drivers believe smart motorways are not a good idea. They believe that the problems they solve are outweighed by the problems they bring. When speaking to the BBC, president of The AA, Edmund King, said “Driver’s don’t trust smart motorways and with 38% of breakdowns happening in live lanes that is not surprising. There is much confusion and fear out there”.

The UK government announced recently that it will be adjusting and implementing a series of updates to the smart motorway system soon.  

Currently, the government has 3 major adjustments in the works. First, to end dynamic smart motorways. Second, building more emergency areas. And third, to install a radar-based SVD (stopped vehicle detection) across all smart motorways within the next 3 years.

There you have it. Everything you need to know about smart motorways. For more articles, be sure to check out our blog page. Or, if you’re thinking about becoming a professional driver, why not enquire about getting your driver CPC now?

Thank you for reading, and we’ll see you next time.

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How to Tell When You’re Too Tired to Drive & What to Do.

Many people believe that driving whilst they’re a bit tired is ok, because they’ll ‘take it easy’. Sadly, these people are wrong. As driving when you’ve been awake for 18 hours straight makes you drive as though you have a blood alcohol level of around 0.5. No joke.

As many as 1/5th of accidents on the road in the UK are caused by tiredness or fatigue. In the US between 2009 and 2012, a reported 1 in 25 adults reported having fallen asleep at the wheel.

How to Tell You’re Too Tired to Drive.

Here we’ve outlined some of the most common ways to tell you’re too tired to drive. However, these are not the only ways to tell. So, if you experience something not on this list and feel you may be too tired to drive, follow the steps given in What to Do When You’re Too Tired to Drive.

You’re Struggling to Concentrate on the Road.

When your eyes begin to wander and you’re struggling to concentrate, that’s usually a good indicator that you need to rest.

Driving takes complete concentration. So, if you’re unable to recall the last exit, or read road signs properly, it’s a sign that you’re tired and struggling to concentrate. If you’re unable to give the road your full attention, you’re putting others as well as yourself at risk.

Yawning.

Of course, if you’re yawning, it’s a dead giveaway that you’re tired and should think about resting.

Although this point may seem obvious, it’s surprising how many drivers fail to notice when they yawn. Considering this is your body’s way of telling you that you’re tired, it should not be ignored whilst you’re on the road. Blinking more than usual is also a sign that you may be too tired to drive, and often accompanies yawning.

Driving Over Rumble Strips.

Also known as alert strips, sleeper lines, growlers, and more, these lines will create a vibration inside the vehicle along with a rumbling sound. If you’re hearing this sound or experiencing significant vibrations in your vehicle, you’re driving over one.

Naturally, there will be times in which you drive over these purely by accident. But if you find yourself driving over these several times in quick succession, it’s likely because you’re drifting out of your lane due to tiredness.

What to Do When You’re Too Tired to Drive.

Of course, if you’re too tired before you set off on your journey, there’s nothing to worry about. However, there will be times when you are midway through your journey and begin to experience signs of tiredness. If this occurs, you should immediately roll down your window to allow some fresh air into the vehicle. This should help to prevent some of the symptoms until you’re able to do one of the following:

Stop in the Next Safe Place and Rest.

It goes without saying that you should stop anywhere on the motorway – including the hard shoulder.

Find the nearest service station and park up. If you don’t wish to remain in your car, service stations often have seating/rest areas. No, these aren’t for sleeping…

Fresh air can also help prevent tiredness. So, if it’s safe to do so, consider having a walk and getting some fresh air. Getting your body moving and exercising may help to take the edge off and wake you up.

Drink Something High in Caffeine Content.

Coffee is something widely available at most service stations.

Equally, energy drinks are also available at most roadside service stations. So, consider picking up full of caffeine before heading back onto the road. However, we must stress that these drinks are only to be consumed as part of a balanced diet. And you should check all the ingredients before consumption.

Take a Short Nap.

It’s recommended you take a short nap of around 15-20 minutes. However, you’ll want to be careful that your short nap doesn’t turn into a full night’s sleep…

In 2018, a man named Chris Allen took the correct precaution and pulled into a service station for a nap. What he didn’t account for is the fact that, rather than napping for 20 minutes as he’d originally planned, he slept for nearly 7 hours. Chris, unfortunately, found himself paying a fine for being parked in the car park for more than the 2-hour limit. You can read more about this story here.

So, if you’re considering taking a short nap, ensure you’ve taken the correct measures to prevent your nap turning into a full-on sleep. If you’re one of those people, maybe set 400 alarms, each one minute after the last to ensure you wake up…

Who’s at Risk of Driving Whilst Tired?

When you drive whilst tired, you put more than just yourself at risk.

Along with any passengers in the vehicle with you, you also endanger the lives of those on the road alongside you at the time. Not only this, but any accident or incident you may cause could potentially block a route needed for an emergency.

When it comes to driving, you’ve got to think of the bigger picture. It’s not just about you. And when it comes to driving whilst tired, you’re putting many lives at risk. It’s not worth it, so avoid it at all costs.

How to Prevent Becoming Tired Behind the Wheel.

Before you set out on the road, there are several things you can do to avoid becoming tired whilst driving. These include:

  • Plan out your route with rest breaks included.
  • Don’t begin your journey after a large meal.
  • Avoid driving between midnight and 6 am.
  • Ensure you’ve slept enough before your journey.
  • Check if any medication you’re taking can cause drowsiness.

These are some of the main causes of becoming tired whilst driving, but not all of them. If you feel like something else may cause you to become tired whilst driving, try to avoid it at all costs. Failing that, perhaps think of postponing your trip or journey to another time.

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Top 9 Must-Have Accessories for Your Truck (2020 Edition).

Last year we compiled two lists of must-have accessories for truck drivers

But as 2020 is now well underway, there are now new gadgets and gizmos on the market. Many of which can make your experience on the road that little bit easier. So, we’ve decided to give you our pick of the top 9 you’ll want to pick up this year.

Here are our top 9 must-have accessories for your truck for 2020:

Thermos Cool Box.

Eat. Sleep. Drive. Repeat. This is the average day of a trucker summarised into 4 words. But how can you be expected to do this successfully if your food isn’t in good condition? This is why you need the Thermos Cool Box in your HGV cab.

Rigid and sturdy, this cool box will keep all your snacks and treats in once piece whilst on the road. Available in either 28 or 32 litres, this cool box is a real must-have for any truck driver. After all, nobody likes squished sandwiches and room-temp yoghurts.

Scrolling down a little to the ‘Frequently bought together’ section gives you the option to add some freeze boards to your basket. These will set you back just shy of an additional £10 but make a fine accessory for the cool box.

RRP: £31.95

Link: https://amzn.to/2SJkYWw

Bibury 5-in-1 Multitool.

The year is 2020. Technology and gadgets are at an all-time high. So, why have 5 different tools taking up space, when you can have a 5 in 1 multitool that takes up one-fifth of the space?

Confusing sentences aside, this multitool comes with a variety of, you guessed it, tools! Including a miniature saw, a pair of pliers, and a screwdriver, this handy accessory is perfect for DIY jobs on the road. With a 9-in-1 bit set and a button-up pouch for storage, the Bibury 5-in-1 Multitool is the perfect ‘just in case’ gadget for any truck driver.

RRP: £16.99

Link:  https://amzn.to/2PbrWRV

Da by Sun Visor Organizer.

This accessory (made by the oddly named Da by) currently sits at a 4.5-star average rating from over 50 reviewers. With its 9 pockets a zip-up pouch, it’s easy to see why.

Available in black, brown, or silver, this handy piece of kit slides over your sun visor with two elasticated strips. This gives the truck driver somewhere to store items such as phones and cards all together whilst keeping them neat and organised. Drivers will also have a place to store their glasses (or sunglasses as mentioned in previous blogs) with the helpful glasses clip.

At under £20, we can’t recommend this accessory highly enough. This is definitely one of those gadgets that we believe every truck driver needs to own.

RRP: £16.99

Link: https://amzn.to/32fMr5s

VOVOIR 12V Electric Heating Lunch Box.

From the cold to the hot, the next must-have accessory for your truck’s cab does the opposite of our previous entry – it keeps your foodstuffs hot. And with over 200 ratings earning this lunch box an average score of 4.5-stars, this gadget must be doing something right.

Powered by a 12V car charging cable, this heating lunch box can be used from right inside your cab. From pasta to soup and everything in-between, this gadget will heat up your meals in around 30 minutes. Portable and easy to clean, this heating lunch box comes in two colours – silver and yellow. Personally, we prefer the yellow-handled model.

RRP: £20.99

Link: https://amzn.to/38L9o2K

Halfords Motoring Abroad Kit.

As a trucker, you’ll likely be making trips into and around Europe from time to time. And, as I’m sure you know, the rules of the road aren’t always the same. But with this kit, you’ll be prepared for all scenarios.

This all-in-one kit includes the following:

  • Headlamp adaptors with fitting instructions.
  • Heavy-duty warning triangle with enhanced stability legs.
  • Reflective vest.
  • GB sticker.
  • 35-piece first aid kit.

All of this comes in a high-quality storage bag with Velcro fixing straps, making it easy to store in your cab, and is a vital accessory for any drivers travelling abroad.

RRP: £35.00

Link: https://bit.ly/38I6qvT

Wacaco Nanopresso Portable Espresso Maker.

Coffee on the go? Yes, please. For the truck drivers out there with a love of coffee (let’s be fair, it’s most of us) this gadget is like birthday and Christmas rolled into one.

Currently, the Wacano Nanopresso Portable Expresso Maker has over 450 reviews, averaging out at a 4.5-star rating. This portable tool boasts the ability to make shots, café lingo, and cold brew all whilst out and about – ideal for truck drivers with a taste for coffee. Simply place the capsule into the device, screw the lid on, press the piston, and voila! Delicious coffee.

Compact and ready to go, this accessory is a little on the pricey side. But, for what it does and the convenience it brings to drivers, we’d say it’s something you should definitely consider keeping in your cab.

RRP: £89.99

Link: https://amzn.to/2HGzxnC

Amazon Kindle.

When you’re spending time on the road, entertainment can be sparse during your breaks and rests. And let’s face it, you don’t have the space to store dozens of books in your cab. That’s where our next gadget comes in handy.

If you didn’t already know, the Amazon Kindle can store thousands of books all on one device. And, with a library of over one million books, you’ll certainly never get bored again. Available in both black or white, this gadget boasts a fortnight-long battery life as well as a backlit and a glare-free screen – even when in direct sunlight. What’s more, Prime members gain unlimited and free access to over 1,000 titles.

With over 8,000 user reviews scoring this gadget an average rating of 4.5-star, this is definitely something that every driver should consider taking with them on the road in 2020.

RRP: £69.99

Link: https://amzn.to/38Oyr4P

JU SHUN Foldable Car Bin.

Here’s something we bet you didn’t know existed – a dustbin for your car. I know, right?

Claiming to be both anti-smell and leak-proof, this foldable rubbish bin comes with an adjustable strap and bottom hook, allowing drivers to place it almost anywhere in their cab. “You can even pour leftover coffee or tea into the trash bag directly” is claimed on the description, making it a perfect accessory alongside the Wacamo Nanopresso Portable espresso maker.

With such bold claims and setting you back less than £15, this is surely a must-have for a professional truck driver this year.

RRP: £12.99

Link: https://amzn.to/37LrJva

MoKo Phone/Tablet Stand.

After a long time on the road, you might want to have a lay-down and catch up on your Netflix Watch List (it’s 2020, we’re not going to judge what’s on there). But you’ve been using your hands all day, and holding your tablet or phone is the last thing you want to do.

Thankfully, the Moko Phone/Tablet Stand does exactly as you’d imagine, allowing you to lay back and enjoy your movies and TV shows as if you were enjoying them on a TV screen.

Available in a range of colours from black or white to purple or blue, there’s a stand here to suit every type of truck driver. And, for a price that cheap, you’d be foolish not to own this 4.5-star rated accessory.

RRP: £6.99

Link: https://amzn.to/2HF45WK

Thanks for reading, and remember that you can read more of our blogs right here. Happy driving!