Bluelite Graphics boosts safety for key workers
Livery provider Bluelite Graphics has emphasised the importance of ensuring essential fleet drivers’ safety while at work in the wake of the key role they have played during the coronavirus pandemic – from the emergency services to supermarket delivery vehicles keeping the nation fed.
“Not only has their service been outstanding, it’s also demonstrated just how important it is to keep drivers and their colleagues safe on the road – whether ambulance teams or grocery workers – while they go about their daily tasks,” said Lorraine Avery, managing director of Bluelite Graphics Group.
“It’s been nine years since the introduction of the ECE104 directive mandating markings on heavy duty trucks and trailers, and the DfT’s Chapter 8 Code of Practice, and there’s no doubt that fleet visibility has improved significantly across all driving conditions during this time,” she continued.
“This is due in no short measure to materials technology but also to innovation in the supply chain that makes compliance with the regulatory guidance convenient and cost effective, for example by providing vehicle templates online in the supply of livery kits and chevrons.”
Bluelite has introduced its own innovations, including the recent launch of fender markings via its online commercial livery portal, chevronshop.com. The DeFender reflective markings provide early warning to oncoming vehicles of commercial and utility fleets joining traffic flows at night.
The wheel arch markings ensure better visibility for vehicles emerging from driveways and buildings in hours of darkness, says Bluelite, offering enhanced protection to trucks, vans and cars and the people inside.
For vehicle chevrons, the company offers two options for operators – a DIY pack that includes red and yellow slats in various grades of material, all of which offer compliant performance, or red reflective material on a flooded yellow fluorescent base.
There is also growing interest among commercial fleets in prismatic technology used extensively by emergency services vehicles, Bluelite reports, because of its high conspicuity, excellent reflectivity at any distance and at narrow and wide angles.
These chevron markings alternate red retroreflective material and yellow non-retroreflective material, and should cover as much of the rear as possible without obscuring windows, lights or registration plates.
“There’s also room for livery innovation within the rules,” added Lorraine.
“For example, we have completed projects for security companies that incorporate battenburg elements styled on emergency services, while for motorcycle fleets we have worked closely with operators who understand the critical need for visibility for safety when travelling on two wheels.”
