As the holiday season approaches and traffic increases, Unitrans urges all road users to prioritize safety, especially when navigating roads shared with trucks. These heavy vehicles play a vital role in transporting goods nationwide during this busy period, but understanding how to interact safely with them is crucial to reducing accidents and saving lives.
To bolster road safety efforts, Unitrans shares these essential tips for drivers of passenger vehicles:
– Avoid blind spots: Trucks have significant blind spots on their sides, rear, and directly in front. If you cannot see the truck driver in their mirrors, they cannot see you.
– Give trucks space: Trucks require more room to maneuver and stop. Avoid cutting in front of them or following too closely.
– Pass safely: Always pass trucks on the correct side and leave ample space before merging back into the lane.
– Be patient: Trucks may slow down in heavy traffic due to their size and weight. Stay calm, avoid aggressive driving, and resist taking unnecessary risks to overtake.
– Watch for signals: Pay attention to a truck’s indicators to anticipate the driver’s actions.
“At Unitrans, we prioritize the highest standards of safety and compliance for our fleet and drivers,” says Tracy van Helsdingen, Head of Central SHERQ at Unitrans. “Our drivers are extensively trained to follow road safety regulations, which include taking mandatory rest breaks, adhering to speed limits, and conducting thorough pre-trip inspections. These checks ensure critical components such as brakes, tires, and lights are in optimal condition. Additionally, our drivers are prepared to navigate road, route, and weather conditions effectively, with access to emergency contacts, systems, and essential equipment like fire extinguishers,” she explains.
Supporting Driver Wellness Through Partnerships
To further enhance road safety, Unitrans has partnered with Trucking Wellness, an initiative of the NBCRFLI, by making a donation to support bus and truck drivers during the challenging holiday season. “Drivers often endure long hours, elevated stress, and physical strain, which can result in fatigue, dehydration, and musculoskeletal pain—all of which compromise reaction times and decision-making,” explains Tertius Wessels, Project Manager at Trucking Wellness. This initiative operates 20 permanent wellness centers and mobile units along South Africa’s primary trucking routes.
“Collaborations with logistics companies like Unitrans ensure drivers receive pre-trip health screenings, stress and fatigue management education, and resources for maintaining their health during high-demand periods,” says Wessels.
Unitrans’ Commitment to Driver Wellness
Unitrans is dedicated to supporting its drivers’ wellness through strict adherence to schedules that include mandatory rest breaks to combat fatigue. The company also encourages its drivers to maintain a balanced diet and incorporate physical activity, even while on the road. Wellness programs are made available to help drivers manage the physical and mental demands of their work.
“Safety is a shared responsibility on the road,” concludes van Helsdingen. “By respecting road safety rules and working together, we can ensure everyone reaches their destinations safely this festive season. At Unitrans, our commitment to safeguarding our drivers and all road users remains unwavering.”