Truck drivers in South Africa get a bad rap because numerous road deaths involve trucks and heavy-duty vehicles.

Many of these accidents are preventable but are not the sole responsibility of drivers. Corporates and business owners must make use of all the tools at their disposal to help prevent road fatalities.

Towards the end of 2015, the Department of Transport (DoT) produced a controversial draft of proposed new regulations that it believed would help it govern responsible road use and enforce traffic regulations in South Africa. If these draft regulations are approved, drivers can expect, among other things, to undergo reevaluation of their driving skills when renewing their licenses.

The national speed limit could still be reduced to 40km/h in urban areas, 80km/h in rural areas and 100km/h on freeways in proximity to residential areas. There are other stipulations regarding permissible and impermissible loads and, while the intention is to create safer roads, there seems to be a lack of urgency about reviewing the draft regulations and deciding on whether they will be passed or not.

Meanwhile, there are initiatives and projects on the go to assist truck drivers in their day-to-day commutes.

In Pietermaritzburg, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport recently launched a 3D truck driving simulator set to improve the skill of truck drivers. Drivers are required to complete a series of e-learning sessions online, followed by truck driving simulation, which takes place in a kitted-out caravan.

The caravan has a computer monitor which displays likely challenges and obstacles to be faced by drivers, including heavy traffic, pedestrians and volatile weather conditions. For added realism, the seat of the caravan is hydraulically operated, to mimic the inertia felt by drivers in the real world.

Last year, MiX Telematics, together with Manspec Selection and Development Services, began developing a mobile application (app) that tests driver fatigue. Drivers are expected to complete a test on the app before getting behind the wheel. If the driver should fail, a supervisor is alerted so that an alternative decision on how to progress can be made.

It is commonly believed that nine out of 10 truck accidents are linked to the driver’s level of fatigue. But apart from measuring levels of fatigue, there needs to be effective ways of preventing it. Driving outside of peak traffic times has been suggested by the DoT and strongly criticized by the trucking fraternity. In South Africa, many truck drivers drive in their spare time to earn additional income.

Businesses using or operating a fleet of heavy vehicles are expected to arrange equipment finance and have the necessary insurance and take appropriate measures to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy and maintained. Drivers must also be given the necessary attention to ensure their personal wellbeing and ability to function behind the wheel is catered to.

Incorporating technology to assist drivers and fleet managers reduce their risks on the road is smart and an excellent way of promoting your business as a responsible entity.