ROAD SAFETY
Before writing this article, I was viewing
video footage of another horror crash
involving dozens of cars being destroyed
by a run-away side-tipper in KwaZulu
Natal. Studying the aftermath of the trail
of destruction left by the juggernaut
revealed that it was a sheer miracle
that there were no fatalities. However,
emergency services reported many
injured, some very seriously.
This follows a horror crash that
claimed the lives of 22 people in
Limpopo when a head-on collision
occurred between a mini-bus and a
cement mixer. Over the past weekend a
high-speed crash claimed the lives of an
MEC and his VIP bodyguard when they
crashed into some stray cattle in the
Free State.
Sadly, these are only the high profile,
major fatal crashes that are covered
by the media. Dozens more people are
killed daily on our roads in accidents
which go un-reported, and, in most cas-
es, these senseless deaths are avoidable.
Whenever the topic of advanced,
defensive driver training comes up with
my fleet clients, I’m often asked: “Why
do they need additional training, they
can drive – they have a license!”
For many companies, additional
driver training is seen as a waste of
time and money. I know of many fleet
companies which do not even screen
new-hires effectively. Most new recruits
are subjected to a quick drive around the
block alongside a “madala” driver before
the recruit is given the thumbs-up to get
behind the wheel of a rig costing millions
of rand.
It is only when there is a major crash
that owners start looking around for a
service provider for a quick fix.
For those contractors who provide
transport for certified and accredited
operators, defensive driving is not a lux-
ury, but a necessity. It forms part of the
policy and culture of the organisation
and is non-negotiable. These progres-
sive companies have recognised that
driver training is a small price to pay for
improved peace of mind. Driver training
is an investment, not an expense.
It is assumed that the holder of a
driving license can operate a vehicle of
that class. The reality is that with the
high levels of fraud and corruption at
license testing stations, many drivers
buy their licenses with the least amount
of training. The training is often inade-
quate and unprofessional with limited
exposure behind the wheel. The actual
driving experience commences when
they are offered a driving position at
your company, driving your vehicles in
peak traffic, carrying a heavy load.
A vehicle is a lethal weapon and driv-
ing is a hazardous occupation. Drivers
are exposed to much longer hours of
workplace risk than other employees.
Truth be told, a fleet driver is subjected
to greater hazards on the road than an
airline pilot. Yet we are happy to accept
mediocre driving standards, with limited
driver training.
The need for effective training
of company fleet drivers
BUSINESS FLEET AFRICA | March 2023
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