News
Issue No. 42 - August/September 2008
Wake up call for road transport
Stark statistics show how heavy vehicle driver fatigue is a major problem on our roads. Caused by work pressures and lack of proper rest, driver fatigue puts lives at risk and the SA Transport Department has responded with an information session series which shows transport operators how to “work safer, not less”.
The road transport sector has a work-related fatality rate per 100,000 workers of nearly eight times the average of all industries, the Department reports.
Surveys show 74% of heavy vehicle drivers think fatigue is a serious problem in the road freight industry. Only 41% of heavy vehicle drivers consider driver fatigue is well managed, with 24% of heavy vehicle drivers report being fatigued at least once every four trips.
New national Heavy Vehicle Driver Fatigue laws which come into effect on 29 September 2008 aim to end this risk.
The new laws set new work and rest limits for heavy vehicle drivers and require better management of
driver fatigue.
“They apply to everyone in the supply chain, not just drivers,” says Department spokesman, Daniel Elkins.
“The aim of the new laws is to minimise the risk of driver fatigue and make the roads safer for everyone.”
The new laws apply to trucks, or truck combinations, of more than 12 tonnes gross vehicle mass. They also apply to buses with more than 12 seats, including
the driver.
“The new laws are about working safer, not less,” Daniel say...
