Mark Heffernan (NX Operations and Safety Director) is second from right collecting the award.
Leading bus and coach operator National Express has won a top transport award for improving road safety.
The transport provider topped the Best Use of Technology category at a recent routeone awards ceremony in Birmingham for its use of Lytx DriveCam technology. The award recognises success where a public transport operator has used technology to benefit its business and its passengers.
Lytx DriveCam technology works by mounting a video camera on the windscreen which monitors traffic activity and drivers’ actions. A tiny gyroscope device detects events such as harsh braking or swerving and records the footage which is then uploaded, analysed and used to provide feedback to drivers, helping to improve driver behaviour and standards.
Following a successful trial which saw a significant reduction in the number of vehicle collisions, National Express made a multi-million pound investment to roll out the Lytx DriveCam programme across its entire UK fleet of 760 coaches and 1,800 buses.
Mark Heffernan, National Express Operations and Safety Director, said: “Safety is our number one priority and we are constantly exploring new technologies that will improve our drivers, passengers and other road users’ safety. We are very pleased to receive this routeone award which clearly recognises the improvements that Lytx DriveCam technology brings.”
Judges at the routeone awards ceremony said: “These awards are considered an accolade held in high-esteem by the transport industry. They follow a five-part entry process and entries are judged against strict criteria, placing great emphasis on excellence.”
The roll-out of Lytx DriveCam across the National Express fleet has produced some positive results, with a significant decrease in collisions and near collisions. Driver skill level is also demonstrably improving.
When comparing the first four months of this year to the first four months of 2017 the National Express UK coach network has seen:
- a 48% reduction in collisions
- a 12% reduction in near misses
- a 44% decrease in the severity of incidents
- a 50% reduction in late responses, such as late braking or steering
- a 52% reduction in failing to keep an appropriate following distance
Meanwhile the National Express UK bus division has seen:
- a 23% reduction in collisions
- a 21% reduction in near misses
- a 20% decrease in incident severity
- a 31% reduction in late responses
- a 23% reduction in failing to keep an appropriate following distance
- a 34% increase in awareness at junctions
