Long Haul Driver Safety Tips MyZA

October Transport Month (OTM) is observed in South Africa every year and is used as an opportunity to focus attention on transport-related matters. South Africa’s transport system, when compared to other developing countries, is relatively competitive. However, issues of safety, efficiency, affordability and sustainability remain key challenges.

Transport Month was first launched in October 2005. It seeks to raise awareness of the important role of transport to the economy, and to invite participation from civil society and business, to provide a safer, more affordable, accessible and reliable transport system for the country.

CAIA – The Chemical and Allied Industries Association – through its Responsible Care initiative, has emphasised the importance of Transport Month for the transportation of dangerous goods by creating awareness of critical attributes that will ensure driver wellbeing and the safe transportation of chemicals. The association held a series of Transport workshops in September to highlight the importance of issues such as the legal requirements applicable to the transport of dangerous goods, post-accident event reconstruction, how to plan for emergency incidents on the road, as well as the preparedness of drivers for such eventualities.

“Operators of heavy commercial vehicles and road transport companies are encouraged to introduce a meaningful approach that focuses on crucial safe operating management practices including but not limited to driver health and wellness programmes, effective transport route risk assessment, behavioural based safety for drivers, effective investigation of transport accidents/incidents and the appropriate use of the learnings from such incidents” says Louise Lindeque, CAIA Responsible Care Manager.

A high percentage of crashes involving truck drivers are due to a large extent to driver error. Managers of haulier companies have the responsibility to ensure that their drivers are well trained through responsible and accredited training providers and that they implement safety measures such as:

Taking regular breaks when driving long distances
Not smoking while driving (carbon dioxide in the cabin could cause drowsiness)
Eating regular, healthy meals
Properly securing and distributing loads evenly
Reducing speed, particularly in wet and misty weather
Not driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medication
Avoiding parking vehicles or trailers in positions that will obstruct traffic or visibility; and,
Following safety instructions

Responsible Care encourages managers and drivers to work together to ensure the safe transportation of goods and chemicals, thereby ensuring that lives are not put on risk on the country’s roads and that the environment is not negatively affected.