BP
Driving in India
What happened?
Castrol realised that to save lives they needed to develop a programme that improves driver safety. It did this through introducing the BP Driving Safety Standard, which includes a number of initiatives and incentives for drivers.
The Trucks
One of the new trucks in use in India.
The trucks were fitted with safety features for both the driver and the drivers' mate. Castrol is clear about the appropriate safety levels which should be met by all the trucks working for the company.
Castrol will only use vehicles with the following features:
- in-built steel cabin
- two safety seats with retractable seat belts and head rests
- large rear view mirrors
- stowing area for loose articles.
The Drivers
Castrol recognised the need to change drivers' attitudes towards driving and their behaviour on the roads.
Castrol started a driving instruction programme including:
- instruction in defensive driving
- test on road signs and rules of the road
- medical check.
Drivers are issued with a 'passport' after successfully completing the course.
3,500 drivers per year have been trained since 2003. Castrol will only use drivers who have taken part in the instruction programme. Training is continued through meetings and pre-trip briefings.
Monitoring Safety
Another important safety feature that Castrol introduced is the Vehicle Data Recorder. This is like the black box used in an aeroplane – it record a driver’s behaviour. Each driver receives regular reports on their work.
Drivers are instructed to take a 20 minute break every four hours, and they are not permitted to drive between 11pm – 5am.
If an accident happens, it is properly investigated to see if any lessons can be learned
Cash awards have been introduced for safe driving.
Drivers have been encouraged to show their skills in international driving championships.
The Route
Castrol monitors the routes taken by drivers and makes sure that they identify hazardous areas. These areas are then brought to the attention of all the drivers by providing drivers with a Global Positioning System (GPS) that foresees potential dangers.
Castrol India has taken this action even though the trucks don’t belong to the company. The trucks are not branded with the company name and the drivers are not the company’s employees or its legal responsibility. However Castrol India believes that the safety of the drivers and the future of road safety for all road users is important and worth the extra cost.
We are treated with respect here, which is not the case with other companies.
Truck owner