Haulage firm is delivering safety on the road
A family-run transport company is going the extra mile to show its vehicles are among the safest in the road.
Washington-based Hawthorns Logistics has installed interlock devices to its 28-strong HGV fleet which breath test drivers before they can turn the engine on.
The interlock devices require the driver to blow into an instrument that is connected to the vehicle ignition system. If the device detects alcohol over the limit, the vehicle will not start.
Company director Dave Kilsby, said: “We believe these devices safeguard against our drivers unwittingly getting behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol.
"Our drivers often transport goods across the border in Scotland, so we have set the device to 50mg of alcohol rather than 80mg – the drinkdrive limit in England.
“This gives them and us the reassurance that they are fit to drive which, in their case, means taking responsibility for an HGV vehicle and for our customers’ products.”
He added :“Knowing the inter lock is in the vehicle means that risks aren’t taken. As a business, it is part of offering of a first-class service both to our customers and our employees.”
Road safety charity PACTS recently called on the Government to develop and implementan inter lock programme.
The equipment was supplied by Blyth-based Draeger Safety UK, a leader in medical and safety technology, and a market leader in alcohol detection devices.
Graham Hurst, marketing manager at Draeger said: “We’re delighted to be working with Hawthorns to get the message to fleet operators that they can be proactive in stopping drink-driving.”