An exhilarating safety weekend for UK truck drivers
DRIVERS
We recently caught up with Gareth Bell – one of the lucky drivers chosen to participate in the VIP RoadStars training weekend in Germany. Hosted annually, the course attracts truckers from all over Europe, providing hands-on experience and showcasing the latest truck technology with a focus on driving safely in dangerous situations.
Truckers come together from all over Europe.
The RoadStars safety training event is memorable for all who attend. Featuring drivers from seven different European countries, it’s an opportunity for passionate truckers to meet like-minded people, swap stories and learn a whole host of new technical skills.
Gareth has 16 years of trucking experience and currently works for Boughey Distribution. It was his first event and he found it enjoyable and interesting, if not a little hair-raising!
“You had to put the truck in situations where every bone in your body says you don’t want to be doing this. But it was good fun to push it.”
Essential safety experience.
A range of topics were covered, all of which are designed to provide the drivers with additional experience. Highlights included:
- Optimised driving position and input
- Avoidance of collisions and emergency braking in a range of weather conditions
- Vehicle control in low-grip scenarios
- Experiencing Stability Control Assist
Following informative classroom sessions with qualified Mercedes-Benz instructors, the drivers got behind the wheel to carry out practical exercises to help them get to grips with the latest truck tech in adverse conditions (all within the safety of a closed course!).
“We had to do dangerous things like driving fast around a wet corner – we would first switch off our ABS control then turn it back on and do it again. It’s interesting to see what a difference it makes.”
Smart technology improves trucker safety.
Drivers were also tasked with driving into a fake brick wall at speeds of 60mph. “It was unnerving, but you knew you were in a safe environment at the test centre.”
Smart technology in trucks is now a standard Mercedes-Benz feature. Active Brake Assist 4 particularly impressed Gareth and the other attendees. Should a driver lose concentration or become tired, it ensures quick responsive actions are taken, such as braking to avoid a collision.
Gareth said he felt “really privileged” to be chosen to attend the RoadStars training, and is certain he would partake in a future safety event: “Absolutely, always something new to learn.”
Driver feedback leads to better product development.
Mercedes-Benz Trucks Product Manager, Rupert Barnard, who accompanied the drivers to the event, appreciated the valuable driver feedback about the technology used.
“As a Product Manager, these events are a great source of first-hand feedback from our drivers… as we develop the product; the training is also developed to showcase the latest technologies. Truck drivers are professionals, but anything can happen out on the road.”
The training focused on a proactive response to emergency situations and using the necessary tools, including ABS and ESP systems, to keep truckers and other road users safe.
“We hope that the drivers never have to use these systems out on the road, but the training gives the drivers the opportunity to appreciate first-hand the safety functionality that is built in Mercedes-Benz trucks.”
The weekend included traditional German food, lots of laughs and a certificate for every driver who attended.
Want to take part next year?
Sign up to become a Blue Steering Wheel holder (requires a C or C+E driving licence) and we’ll be in touch via the RoadStars postbox nearer the time! Or perhaps you’ve already attended a RoadStars training event? We’d love to hear about your experience, including the skills you learned. Share your story in the comments section below.
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7 comments
Thanks again to the whole team for a fantastic weekend 👍
Thanks again to the whole team for a fantastic weekend 👍
Wäre gerne in Berlin(Sicherheitstraining) dabei gewesen, ging gesundheitlich leider
nicht. Würde mich riesig über eine neue Einladung freuen, denn wie ich schon in anderen chat's sagte, der Weg ist der richtige. Theorie und Praxis in einer gesunden Mischung
sind die besten Konstruktionskomponenten.
Gruß vom Schwobatrucker
Dieter
Wäre gerne in Berlin(Sicherheitstraining) dabei gewesen, ging gesundheitlich leider
nicht. Würde mich riesig über eine neue Einladung freuen, denn wie ich schon in anderen chat's sagte, der Weg ist der richtige. Theorie und Praxis in einer gesunden Mischung
sind die besten Konstruktionskomponenten.
Gruß vom Schwobatrucker
Dieter
es freut uns, dass dich unsere Aktionen so begeistern. Die exklusiven RoadStars Events mit allem drum und dran sind ja gerade so begehrt, weil es sie nur im Rahmen unserer Aktionen auf RoadStars gibt. Damit alle Mitglieder der RoadStars-Familie die gleichen Chancen haben, werden die Gewinner natürlich für jede Aktion neu ausgelost. Also halte die Augen offen - vielleicht bist du ja schon beim nächsten Mal unter den Glücklichen! 🍀
Und falls es gar nicht klappt, gibt es die Fahrsicherherheitstrainings an sich ja auch direkt über folgende Seite auf eigene Kosten: https://truckworld.mercedes-benz.com/de_DE/trucktraining/driving-safety-training.html
es freut uns, dass dich unsere Aktionen so begeistern. Die exklusiven RoadStars Events mit allem drum und dran sind ja gerade so begehrt, weil es sie nur im Rahmen unserer Aktionen auf RoadStars gibt. Damit alle Mitglieder der RoadStars-Familie die gleichen Chancen haben, werden die Gewinner natürlich für jede Aktion neu ausgelost. Also halte die Augen offen - vielleicht bist du ja schon beim nächsten Mal unter den Glücklichen! 🍀
Und falls es gar nicht klappt, gibt es die Fahrsicherherheitstrainings an sich ja auch direkt über folgende Seite auf eigene Kosten: https://truckworld.mercedes-benz.com/de_DE/trucktraining/driving-safety-training.html