PRLog (Press Release) –
Oct 09, 2009 – As British Summer Time ends this month, 3M, the diversified technology company, urges drivers to take extra care in the dark. Following the delay of new regulation, UN ECE 104, 3M would still like to see companies using conspicuity markings on heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and trailers as part of good safety practice.
The regulation, due to come into force this month, relates to the introduction of safety markings on HGVs and trailers. Louisa Perry, Product Manager for 3M’s Traffic Safety Systems Division, said: “Due to their size and weight, HGVs tend to be involved in more severe accidents than large goods vehicles and cars.”
Statistics show there are around 600 fatal accidents a year in the UK involving HGVs in rear or side impact with another vehicle. Research suggests that up to 12 per cent of these could have been avoided if conspicuity marking tape had been fitted making these vehicles more conspicuous to other road users, especially at night. It is estimated that 40 per cent of road accidents occur during twilight, night and dawn, despite the fact that less than one third of traffic is on the road during these hours.1
For more information visit www.3M.co.uk/traffic/ECE104
ENDS
3M is a trademark of 3M Company
NOTES TO EDITORS
1 Statistics from Department for Transport. http://www.dft.gov.uk/consultations/closed/regulationsam ...
Vehicle conspicuity essentials at a glance:
• Rear of the Vehicle
A complete contour line marking (box) in red needs to be applied if the rear of the vehicle is wider than 2100mm.
Red is the permitted colour for the rear
The conspicuity marking should be as close as practicable to the edge of the vehicle and should extend to at least 80 per cent of the overall width of the vehicle
• Side of the Vehicle
There are two options. Either a complete or a partial contour line marking. Partial contour markings are the minimum requirement.
Yellow is the permitted colour for the side
The conspicuity markings should cover to at least 80 percent of:
the length of the vehicle excluding the cab for motor vehicles
the length of the vehicle (excluding the drawbar) for trailers
Why should you apply conspicuity markings now?
To help reduce accidents and save lives
Improve safety and increase visibility of vehicles
Increase employee confidence - knowing that their company is proactive about safety
Reduced accidents means less downtime and lower repair costs
Improve corporate image as being seen to be proactive about safety
Help protect your company against potential legal action related to third party safety
Why 3M Conspicuity Markings?
The tapes have proven outdoor durability, even with regular power washing and are maintenance-free. The application of the tape is straightforward and does not require an expert applicator.
3M – practical and ingenious solutions that help our customers succeed
3M is a $25 billion diversified technology company which, since 1902, has been creating innovative products that help make the world healthier, safer and more productive. Well known 3M brands include Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate and Scotch-Brite.
3M employs some 79,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 60 countries. It produces thousands of innovative products for customers in dozens of diverse markets and its 45 technology platforms touch nearly every aspect of modern life - the company has applied its expertise in RFID technology to deliver biometric passports; it is using its understanding of the healthcare industry to provide hospitals with infection prevention and detection solutions; and in 2008 it launched the MPro range of pocket projectors.
The UK and Ireland is home to one of the largest 3M subsidiaries outside the USA, employing more than 3,500 people across 18 locations, including 12 manufacturing sites.
Products manufactured in the UK include coated abrasives, occupational health and environmental safety equipment, adhesive tapes, industrial microbiology products, drug delivery systems, high-performance coatings, secure documents and passport scanners.
www.3M.co.uk/traffic/ECE104
To embed this press release, copy and paste the following HTML code into your webpage-
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment