In the News
Team marks 10 years of support for crash drivers
Express & Echo Thursday, October 29, 2009, 23:00
THOUSANDS of drivers have been helped to get back behind the wheel following serious accidents by a Devon company which is celebrating 10 years in business.
Rosemary Pell founded the Road User Support Service (RUSS) after she was involved in two head-on car crashes. In both incidents she was hit by drivers travelling around blind bends on the wrong side of the road. The second accident left her with a permanent neck injury and a fear of driving.
"At the time there was little practical and emotional support available to help me feel comfortable in a car again," said Rosemary.
"I initially approached Devon County Council's road safety team, which offered invaluable assistance in setting up an appropriate support group and with whom I still have a close working partnership."
With a consultation room in St David's, Exeter, and a team of 10 instructors operating around the county, RUSS provides tailor-made rehabilitation programmes for traumatised drivers, consisting of both psychological counselling and practical lessons. Since it was established it has helped around 5,000 motorists.
"We are the only organisation of its type in the UK to offer this full service of driving instructors and therapists which helps people to retrain and regain confidence following a road traffic incident," said Rosemary, who lives in Dunsford and also runs her own private counselling practice.
"As owner-manager of RUSS, I am responsible for all aspects of running the business, including client assessments and treatment recommendations."
The company's tenth anniversary coincided with the launch of a new website, designed by Exeter company Daneswood, and the recruitment of former Devon & Cornwall police traffic officers Ashley Brooks, as a driving instructor, and Robin Derges, as an advanced motorcyclist. Robin's appointment has enabled RUSS to expand its services to include motorcycle training.
Rosemary said: "It is an exciting era for us. I can't believe that it is 10 years since I launched RUSS and how much the business has grown and progressed during that time.
"I know Ashley and Robin will add value to the team with their extensive skills and expertise."
The majority of RUSS's clients are referred by solicitors dealing with personal injury claims. Referrals also come from organisations including the police, Victim Support, the Devon Drivers' Centre, Devon Air Ambulance and health services.
Andrew Harris, a partner at Veitch Penny solicitors in Exeter, said: "Veitch Penny's accident claims team has supported RUSS from the very beginning and a great many of our clients have now benefited from the unique and professional services RUSS offer. Feedback from our clients is so positive that I am confident Rosemary's organisation will continue to go from strength to strength."
Peter Gimber, Devon County Council's road safety manager, said: "Rosemary and her team help hundreds of Devon residents regain their confidence to travel again and to overcome issues that may have blighted their family lives and affected their work.
"The county council has encouraged Rosemary in this work and wishes her every success in the future."
Business Support Network Autumn Newsletter
Members in the Spotlight
Exeter based Rosemary Pell, the first BSN member, (see photo right, fourth from left) is celebrating ten years in business with The Road User Support Service. Rosemary offers a unique service in Devon, supporting people who have been involved in or affected by road incidents. She and her team of ten have supported an impressive 5,000 people since the company’s inception.