Celebrating Safety and Unsung Heroes during Road Safety Week
In a country celebrated for its stunning landscapes and roads that lead to adventure, ensuring safety on Aotearoa's highways is vital.
As part of our ongoing commitment to road safety and New Zealand Road Safety Week at the Co-op, we're shining a spotlight on the contributions of some of our people, who play pivotal roles in keeping our people safe.
With over a decade of experience in condition monitoring, Jason Clemens, Reliability Engineer, Darfield, brings a wealth of expertise to his role at Fonterra Darfield. But his contributions extend beyond the dairy industry; Jason is also a dedicated firefighter, showcasing his commitment to community service.
Jason Clemens, Reliability Engineer, Fonterra Darfield
“There’s a common occurrence in FENZ of parents recruiting their children. That’s what happened to me although, I'd have to admit it was more the other way round, where I was helping Dad from a young age rolling up hoses at waterway competitions, doing weekly truck checks etc. So, I didn't take too much convincing when it came time.”
Reflecting on his career, Jason emphasises the importance of proactive measures to prevent accidents, including the strategic placement of barriers and embracing new safety technologies. Jason's story is not without its own twists and turns. A firsthand experience with a road accident reinforced his belief in the need for vigilance at intersections, urging drivers to exercise caution and anticipate potential hazards.
“Moral of the story is that intersections are a common place for motor vehicle crashes, so even if you have the right of way, just back off the gas for a moment and anticipate a car pulling out and think, what would I do.”
Moral of the story is that intersections are a common place for motor vehicle crashes, so even if you have the right of way, just back off the gas for a moment and anticipate a car pulling out and think, what would I do.
Mike Kist's journey from law enforcement to road safety advocacy underscores the interconnectedness of public service. With 24 years of experience as a policeman, Mike witnessed the profound impact of road accidents firsthand. Now, as a driver trainer at Fonterra, he imparts invaluable knowledge to tanker operators, emphasising the critical role of comprehensive training in promoting road safety.
For Mike, road safety isn't just a professional obligation—it's a personal mission rooted in a desire to prevent unnecessary tragedies. He stresses the importance of responsible driving behaviours and highlights the role of ongoing investment in road infrastructure to enhance safety measures.
“In my current role, I get great satisfaction teaching our drivers to be the best that they can be as tanker operators. It is particularly rewarding when Fonterra gets positive feedback from the public about our drivers being courteous and professional.”
“Drivers can often lack patience and consideration for others when they get behind the wheel, and many people do not consider possible outcomes or have a mistaken belief that they are invincible. The worst duty of any Police Constable is to inform next of kin that their family member or friend is seriously hurt or worse from a road crash.”
Mike Kist, L7 Driver Performance Assessor
In my current role, I get great satisfaction teaching our drivers to be the best that they can be as tanker operators. It is particularly rewarding when Fonterra gets positive feedback from the public about our drivers being courteous and professional.
Jo Bell, L7 Transport Dispatcher
Jo Bell's career trajectory exemplifies the power of resilience and adaptability. Starting from humble beginnings in the supermarket industry, Jo found her calling as a milk tanker dispatcher at Fonterra. Despite facing challenges along the way, including redundancy, Jo seized opportunities for growth and emerged as a vital asset in the planning and dispatch department.
In her role, Jo plays a pivotal part in coordinating milk collection while prioritising driver safety. She advocates for a culture of patience and consideration on the roads, urging motorists to choose safety over speed.
Ruth, with her diverse background spanning retail, administration, healthcare, and even hygiene technician roles, stood out as a testament to resilience and determination.
Ruth's passion for trucks, ignited at the tender age of 10, defied conventional gender roles of her time. Despite facing scepticism and ridicule, she never let go of her childhood dream.
"I fell in love with trucks at the age of 10 when my brothers were given a picture book of heavy vehicles, and I read it too," Ruth reminisced. "I decided then I was going to be a truck driver one day."
But the path to fulfilling her dream was fraught with obstacles. In an era when truck driving was largely perceived as a male-dominated profession, Ruth encountered discouragement at every turn. "Career paths like truck driving weren't encouraged for girls when I was in high school in the 80s," she recalled. "Being only 5'1" and 50 kg at the time, I got laughed at."
Undeterred, Ruth pursued other avenues but never abandoned her aspiration. It wasn't until she approached her 50s that she seized the opportunity and obtained her heavy traffic licenses and eventually landed a tanker job with Fonterra Edendale.
Ruth MacRae, L5b Tanker Operator
"I decided it was now or never," Ruth remarked, reflecting on her pivotal decision. "I went for the class 5 license while working for Halls Refrigerated Transport, got a little experience, and then applied for a tanker job with Fonterra Edendale—and I got accepted."
Ruth's advocacy for road safety struck a chord with many. She emphasised the importance of education and awareness, suggesting mandatory defensive driving courses for all drivers. Her insights into the challenges of manoeuvring heavy vehicles underscored the need for a deeper understanding among all motorists.
"On the issue of road safety, I think a mandatory defensive driving course should be part of basic driving requirements," Ruth proposed. "Car drivers need to be aware of and able to deal with any road or traffic issues and understand how different driving heavy vehicles is compared to light vehicles."
As New Zealand Road Safety Week unfolds, it's evident that ensuring road safety requires a collective effort from individuals across various sectors. Whether it's through diligent dispatching, comprehensive training, or community service, each person's contribution plays a vital role in promoting safer roads.