Driving of vehicles

In both terrestrial ENG and SNG operations, driving vehicles is an intrinsic part of the job. Obviously ENG and SNG vehicles are commonly used on local stories and events, while SNG trucks are used on trans-continental events as well. Even if a system is transported by air, a truck is used to carry the equipment on the final leg of the journey to the location. The driving of vehicles is in itself a safety issue, as again the pressures of time can lead to lengthy periods spent behind the wheel, trying to navigate, and dealing with the inevitable phone calls, pager messages and other such distractions.

The only advice that can be given is that you must respect the law that often applies to driving vehicles over a certain size. Even where there is no legislation to obey, just remember that ‘no story is worth a life’ – and that leads us on to look at a commonly overlooked hazard of SNG/ENG operations.

Tiredness

Fatigue is a major cause of road crashes, yet the dangers of fatigue and its impact on driving are underrated. Fatigue-related accidents can occur at any time of day, but drivers need to take particular care during the mid-afternoon period and between midnight and dawn. Young drivers, shift workers, heavy vehicle drivers – some or all of which apply to drivers of newsgathering vehicles – are especially at risk of death or injury from fatigue-related crashes.

Lack of ‘quality’ sleep is a critical factor leading to the onset of fatigue. Ideally drivers need to be encouraged to plan their trips well in advance – unfortunately this is contrary to the nature of newsgathering.

More accidents are caused by tiredness both on the road and on site than any other factor – so be aware.