By Elka du Piesanie
According to the National Traffic Information System (NaTIS), South Africa has nearly 400,000 trucks on its roads, indicating that there are potentially vast numbers of commercial truck drivers. With long-haul truckers frequently facing challenging working conditions, are we doing enough to safeguard the health of these vital workers who play a crucial role in maintaining our supply chains?
In the last 18 months, the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) reported 378 fatalities and 343 injuries due to road accidents involving trucks. This highlights the urgent need for the industry to take significant action to reduce this tragic loss of life on our roads.
This October, coinciding with Mental Health Awareness Month, we are advocating for prioritizing driver wellness at a national level. By taking a more compassionate and humane approach towards those behind the wheel, we hope to decrease the frequency of serious truck-related accidents.
A 2017 analysis of over 13,000 truck drivers in South Africa revealed that those driving long distances are significantly more prone to health issues than the general populace. They experience high rates of HIV, tuberculosis, sexually transmitted infections, and cardiovascular diseases, compounded by stress and depression. Research by Arrive Alive indicates that 20% of truck drivers describe their mental health as poor, underscoring the need for attention in this area.
The overall health of drivers can be adversely affected by lifestyle factors such as insufficient physical activity, unhealthy diets, and poor hygiene, especially in the absence of adequate rest and sanitation facilities. Conditions on the roads can be harsh, particularly for cross-border drivers.
While some initiatives promote healthy eating and exercise, mental health remains a less addressed area in an already isolating profession. Enhancing mental well-being alongside physical health is crucial for drivers to be deemed fit to operate their vehicles. Destigmatizing mental health care through education is essential to encourage truckers and fleet owners to prioritize it as much as driving skills.
Encouragingly, there are emerging efforts to tackle these issues, though a collaborative approach is necessary to provide adequate support for truck drivers. The RTMC and the Department of Transport are conducting awareness campaigns, but it’s vital to involve drivers in these discussions alongside organizations like the Commercial Transport Academy. The private sector and media also have pivotal roles in promoting a comprehensive road safety message encompassing both physical and mental health.
