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Exchanging Places - Right Message For All Road Users(Targeted News Service Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) KENT, England, Dec. 6 -- The Freight Transport Association issued the following news release: Exchanging Places was back on the road again yesterday in London - working with lorry drivers and cyclists helping to tackle the problem of cycle accidents in the capital by raising safety awareness for all road users. The Freight Transport Association (FTA) has expressed its support of the Metropolitan Police (Met) initiative which helps provide HGV drivers and cyclists with an understanding of each others perspective. Through this they aim to ensure both road users recognise the risks and position themselves appropriately when on the roads. FTA's Head of Urban Logistics Policy Christopher Snelling commented: "Raising awareness and, through that, promoting better and more defensive behaviour all round will be the best way to improve safety on our roads for all. More is needed, for drivers as well as cyclists; The Exchanging Places programme is a good example of what can be done when we work together to share the road safely." The most recent Exchanging Places event was held yesterday outside Charing Cross Station, at which leading global insurer RSA partnered the Met and the programme, to produce a short video, supported by Transport for London. Published to YouTube - the film is available to be viewed at: (www.youtube.com/watch?v=UN7mJR64tvs); the video follows a cyclist and an HGV driver who experience what it is like to be on the road from the other's perspective. Peter Collins, RSA head of Corporate Responsibility said: "As a major insurer, we want to play a role in making roads safer for all users. With the production of this film, we hope it will provide cyclists and drivers with a new perspective, avoid accidents and ultimately save lives." The Metropolitan Police Cycle Task Force was responsible for setting-up 'Exchanging Places' events in order to raise awareness of cycle safety. People are invited to sit in the driver's seat of the lorry cab in order to help them better understand of what an HGV driver can and can't see, especially in regards to cyclists on the nearside and directly in front of the vehicle.. Mr Snelling added: "Freight operators realise how important raising safety awareness is for all road users and these type of events play a big part in this. They are made possible by logistics companies providing vehicles and drivers free of charge at substantial cost to themselves. This commitment illustrates how the logistics industry is working towards trying to improve safety on our roads. FTA commends all companies who have provided such support and ask all our members to support these events where ever possible." TNS 30FurigayJane-131202-4570871 30FurigayJane (c) 2013 Targeted News Service |