FIREFIGHTERS have been working closely with one of the area’s major haulage firms to help ensure that the company’s drivers stay safe at the wheel.

Cleveland Fire Brigade have been supporting Bertschi UK Ltd’s driver training programme delivering a number of sessions at the firm’s structured training days held recently at Middlesbrough’s Riverside Stadium.

Andrew Bright, of Cleveland Fire Brigade, said: "Driving a heavy goods vehicle clearly brings added responsibilities and if something goes wrong the consequences can have fatal implications.

“During the training sessions we have been focussing on what we call the ‘Fatal Four’ which are responsible for a large proportion of traffic collisions. These are speed, distracted driving such as using a mobile phone, alcohol & drugs, and seat belt compliance. In addition the dangers of driver fatigue were also covered.”

The company, which has a base in South Bank, operates across 42 countries worldwide transporting bulk chemicals in liquid and dry bulk form.

Nick Brown, managing director of Bertschi UK Ltd, said: “I was delighted that Cleveland Fire Brigade could assist us with our annual driver training meetings, the presentations given were extremely informative and well received by our drivers.”

If any company in the Cleveland Fire Brigade area is interested in finding out how it can help them with driver safety, they should contact Andrew Bright on 01429-872311 or email abright@clevelandfire.gov.uk