Insurance broker’s boardgame illustrates serious implications

PCV insurance broker, McCarron Coates, has created its own board game. The game is intended to provide passenger transport operators with more food for thought about the legal framework in which they are operating. It is also envisioned to give managers an engaging accompaniment to toolbox talks.

Entitled ‘Road Hierarchy’, the boardgame builds on McCarron Coates efforts since 29 January 2022 to communicate the implications of the Highway Code’s ‘Hierarchy of Road Users’, launched on that date.

The game also emphasises how McCarron Coates’ warnings of the implications were realised in June 2022. That came with the introduction of the motoring offence of ‘Causing Serious Injury by Careless or Inconsiderate Driving’.

The aim of the game is to be the first player to achieve Star Operator status but, enroute to that, the player must avoid ending up in HMP Hierarchy. This ultimate penalty highlights how the offence of ‘Causing Serious Injury by Careless or Inconsiderate Driving’ does not levy fines on those found guilty, but does impose driving bans and a prison sentence of up to two years. The game play also highlights that it is relatively easy to be caught out by this law.

The degree of punishment levied by a judge can be directly influenced by the Hierarchy of Road Users. If a bus or coach is involved in an incident with one of the most vulnerable road users (a pedestrian, horse rider, cyclist or motorcyclist), the punishment is likely to be more severe, according to sentencing guidelines.

“Regardless of what sort of bus and coach or mini-bus fleet you are running, this game has total relevance to you and your livelihood and liberty” – McCarron Coates director, Paul Coates

McCarron Coates director, Paul Coates, said: “Regardless of what sort of bus and coach or mini-bus fleet you are running, this game has total relevance to you and your livelihood and liberty.  We’ve created it as a wake-up call, as there is a lot of complacency around the new rules and laws. Fleets really need to think about what’s been happening and respond fast.”

“We have addressed the risk to fleets in different ways, directly offering clients the advantage of having our RTC Crisis Line service, which provides instant, sector-specific legal representation, in person, should any driver be interviewed under police caution” – Fellow director, Ian McCarron

Fellow director, Ian McCarron, said: “We have addressed the risk to fleets in different ways, directly offering clients the advantage of having our RTC Crisis Line service, which provides instant, sector-specific legal representation, in person, should any driver be interviewed under police caution. Now, we’re communicating the risk in a completely different way, whilst continuing to stress just how essential it is to have the right legal advice, should any driving incident involve the police.”

• The game can be downloaded here.