International Driving Championship

4 May 2005

International Driving Championship

If the idea of watching a 39 tonne capacity, 420 horsepower truck reverse into a seemingly compact space seems like a fun way to spend the afternoon, or seeing a 12 litre twin axel semi-trailer traveling at high speed make an emergency stop to put out a fire sound like your idea of a good time then the two day International driving competition at Trentham will be a great place to be on May 18 and 19.

The hunt is on again for BP’s most professional, safety conscious heavy vehicle driver and throughout the two day competition drivers will be tested on their theory, practical skills and vehicle knowledge. Some of the challenges that drivers will have to face include fire fighting, first aid and defensive driving skills. There is also a ‘mystery’ event which will only be revealed on the day to the drivers, just to make sure they really are equipped to deal with the unexpected.

BP’s bi-annual International Driving Championship is an opportunity to recognise the skill of heavy vehicle drivers, as well as motivate drivers to reach the highest levels of driver safety and performance.

BP’s Logistics Manager Warren Bolger sees the event as a chance not only to motivate the drivers but also members of the public.

“With such an exciting range of events to complete we are hoping to attract the public as well as friends and family. We want as many people as possible to come out and watch the competition take place. The more people we get to come and support the drivers, the more chance we have to build awareness of safer driving techniques.

“BP have a strong reason for holding the event. Our drivers in New Zealand covered over 8 Million kilometers last year, representing a significant amount of time on the road. Our drivers need to be very highly skilled if they are to be some of the safest drivers on New Zealand roads.

“We have very safe practices in place for both our heavy and light vehicle fleet with a number of programmes such as ‘engine on cellphone off’, which in 2002 saw a ban on all cellphone use while driving a vehicle including the use of hands free kits which have been removed from all company vehicles.

“Another initiative was the ‘Engine on, lights on’ programme which developed from research The US Department of Transportation shows that many traffic accidents are caused due to poor visibility. Now all company vehicles have an automated system where the lights switch on while the engine is running.

“At BP we are trying to do everything we can to make the roads a safer place for not just for the drivers we employee but also the ones we share our roads with, said Mr Bolger.”

The two winners of the event will fly to Kuala Lumpur with their partners to take place in the Asia Pacific finals and if successful there, will go onto the world finals in Cape Town South Africa.

ENDS

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