RoadStars member chosen for exclusive driving event
DRIVERS
Lucky RoadStars member and Blue Steering Wheel Holder, Gareth, was the winner from a recent RoadStars competition with the prize being an invitation to an exclusive safety training event in Germany. Along with 22 other drivers from all over Europe, Gareth experienced a thrilling weekend of superb driving and was treated like RoadStars royalty.
Exclusive experience for Blue Steering Wheel Holders.
The annual safety training event was held in Germany at the Driving Safety Training Centre, and truckers from several different countries in Europe, including Belgium, Germany, Italy, Romania, the Netherlands and the Czech Republic attended. All of the guests were Blue Steering Wheel Holders and were selected at random for this exclusive experience.
Gareth was one of two UK-based drivers there and was thrilled to be in the company of like-minded people who were as equally enthusiastic about driving as he is.
“On one side of me was a fireman from Italy who drove a little Mercedes-Benz appliance, and on the other was a heavy haulage lad from Germany who ran a big Actros Titan…it was fascinating to spend time with people from all over Europe and listen to them talking about their vehicles and jobs,” he said.
A weekend of thrills and expert tips.
The weekend included plenty of practical tasks as well as classroom sessions with the Mercedes-Benz Trucks experts. The drivers were able to test out the latest technology as well as focus on handling trucks in tricky situations, including evasive manoeuvring, emergency braking and roll-over scenarios
All of those involved came away having learnt something new and possessing an increased confidence in dealing with dangerous situations on the road.
Love trucking, love Mercedes-Benz Trucks.
Gareth has been a trucker for sixteen years and currently works for Boughey Distribution in Cheshire, delivering groceries to some of the biggest UK retailers. He helped convince his employer to switch to Mercedes-Benz Trucks in 2016, after trialling a Mercedes-Benz Fuel Challenger demonstrator unit for two weeks. He now drives an Actros 2545 BigSpace tractor unit, one of 109 trucks belonging to Boughey Distribution. Gareth loves his job and his truck, “I love life on the road, not least because the Actros is such a fantastic vehicle…in terms of living space the cab is perfect while creature comforts such as a fridge and microwave help to make it a real home from home.”
His passion for trucks started when he was a boy, “My dad was the transport manager for a haulage company on Anglesey, the guy who owned the business always had the best of the best. I particularly remember a 1986 Mercedes-Benz 1644 SK with EPS gearbox – that was a hell of a piece of kit, and not much could keep up with it back then,” describes Gareth.
RoadStars made this happen.
When he’s off the road, Gareth pushes his limits with ultra-marathons, his record is 50 miles! He also cycles regularly with his teenage son, recognising how important it is to stay healthy, particularly in the driving profession he explains “It’s an important topic for those working in our industry, and one that RoadStars covered recently.”
Speaking of which, he’s a fan of the online platform for truckers, “Whether it’s entertaining or informative, the content on RoadStars is always engaging and relevant. I was so impressed in Germany by how keen the trainers were to learn from us. Ultimately we all work with Mercedes-Benz Trucks for a living, and can only benefit from sharing our experiences.”
“I love life on the road, not least because the Actros is such a fantastic vehicle.”
– Gareth Bell
Want to go to the next RoadStars event?
Are you a RoadStars member? It’s FREE and gives you access to the latest truck news, exclusive events and a community of like-minded drivers. Plus if you enter your driving licence details (C or C+E driving licence) you’ll automatically become a Blue Steering Wheel Holder and be in with a chance of winning tickets to an event like this one!
Remember to share your trucking stories in the comments section below – you may even be featured in a future article!
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4 comments
Thanks again guys for the experience!
One little correction, we don't have 9 Actros Bigspace.... We have 109! 😎
Thanks again guys for the experience!
One little correction, we don't have 9 Actros Bigspace.... We have 109! 😎
You were already famous in Berlin 🤣🍻👍
Gesundheit and have a great weekend
You were already famous in Berlin 🤣🍻👍
Gesundheit and have a great weekend