Soaring fuel costs have left a hole in the
pocket of motorists across the globe,
but it could be having an unexpected
positive impact on promoting greener
forms of transport.
That’s according to research commis-
sioned by the UK’s leading independent
road safety charity, IAM RoadSmart,
who surveyed 1 004 motorists on what
changes they have made as a result of
rising fuel costs.
Of those surveyed, one in three (33
percent) stated that they have decided
to walk more, 17 per cent said that they
have used public transport on a more
regular basis, while 7 percent answered
that they have bought a bicycle or used
it more frequently.
“Our research demonstrates that
there has been an unexpected ‘green
lining’ to the rising cost of fuel, as an
increasing number of motorists opt for
more environmentally-friendly forms of
transport,” said Neil Greig, Director of
Policy and Research at IAM RoadSmart,
commented.
“However, it is crucial to be mindful
of the safety of all road users, especially
those who will be more vulnerable to inju-
ry in the case of a collision,” added Greig.
“Adhering to the ‘hierarchy of road
users’ Highway Code rule, which dictates
that road users such as cyclists and
pedestrians are at greater risk from road
traffic, and therefore motorists should
possess the greatest responsibility to
minimise harm, will play a critical role
in helping adapt to these changes,”
said Greig.
Those who have decided not to ditch
the car entirely have also made greener
changes to the way they drive, with
38 percent of respondents stating that
they have tried to drive more econom-
ically, and 19 percent disclosing that
they are taking extra care to stick to the
speed limits.
“For many, hanging up the key is
simply not an option, and the role
of owning a car, in terms of personal
mobility and keeping society moving,
cannot be understated. In such cases
motorists are encouraged to follow
those who have decided to drive more
economically and reduce their speed,
which will not only help keep the price
at the pumps down, but also keep roads
as safe as they can be.” BFA
Soaring fuel costs are driving motorists to greener
forms of transport
BUSINESS FLEET AFRICA | November 2022
WWW.BUSINESSFLEETAFRICA.CO.ZA
The UK’s van drivers are at risk of burnout with half experienc-
ing mental health issues in the last year, according to a study by
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.
Research found the last year had seen those suffering with
mental health issues rise to half from a third compared with the
previous year. Overworking and struggling to maintain a work-
life balance were the biggest causes, with side effects including
sleep problems, stress headaches and panic attacks.
The stress is coming from van drivers working beyond their
regular hours half of the time, compared to the average UK
worker who clocks longer hours a third of the time.
The longer hours are causing 1 in 5 van drivers to feel
overwhelmed by work on a daily basis with 94% saying they
had felt overwhelmed at least once in the past year. Positively,
three-quarters of those who suffered issues had sought
professional support to help them cope.
To manage your mental health and restore the balance,
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is urging the workforce to take
time out and practise wellbeing, whether in the form of taking up
a new hobby, exercising, talking to friends or getting outside. BFA
Overworking is leading to mental health issues
amongst van drivers
INTERNATIONAL NEWS