Jim Truscott

Jim Truscott, a well-known and respected figure in the world of road safety, sadly passed away earlier this month.

After an initial career in Lanarkshire’s steel industry, Jim began his long and illustrious road safety career in 1972.

Michael McDonnell, Road Safety Scotland, said: “Jim pioneered road safety initiatives at local level in Strathclyde and then North Lanarkshire, but also played a major role in directing the way things progressed nationally through his involvement with the Institute of Road Safety Officers, RoSPA and the Scottish Road Safety Campaign/Road Safety Scotland.

“He was instrumental in establishing a national strategy for road safety education and many resources still in use have Jim’s mark on them.

“For those of us working in the field, one of Jim’s major contributions to road safety was his work with Lord Robertson (then MP for Hamilton) which led to statutory status for road safety in Scotland.

“Jim was also instrumental in having road safety qualifications recognised within the Blue Book which meant RSOs were included in local authority pay and grading structures.”

Although he retired in 2006, Jim’s interest in road safety did not wane. He spent considerable time working with the WHO, the British Red Cross and the UN to address road safety issues in Zambia, where he set up a national steering group and trained field workers to deliver road safety education throughout the country.

In recognition of his work, Jim received a number of awards including an MBE in 2004 for his contribution to local government and road safety, and a Lifetime Contribution to Scottish Transport award in 2006.

Michael McDonnell concluded: “Without question, Jim has left the world of road safety a much better place than he found it and undoubtedly, although they may not know it, many road users owe their lives to the vision and the work of the gentle man that was Jim Truscott.”