Truck driver training keeps our roads safe

According to a study executed by Abela Driver Safety Management[1], 65% of all company vehicle drivers are involved in at least one accident a year. These accidents result in costly litigations, driver downtime and increased insurance premiums. This is without even mentioning the trauma and fatalities that accompany these accidents. One of South Africa’s leading insurance underwriting managers is actively taking measures to combat this problem.

Heavy Commercial Vehicles Underwriting Managers (Pty) Ltd (HCV) has for several years offered free in-cab driver training programmes to all policyholders to reduce trucking accidents. Chris Barry, Managing Director of HCV explains the need for driver training, “it is vitally important to have proficient truck drivers on our roads for a number of reasons, namely – increased safety for all road users, reduced insurance claims and of course enhanced road transport networks to the benefit of the South African economy. Proficient drivers not only save money, they ultimately save lives too.”

According to Abela, 95% of road accidents could have been avoided had the driver been equipped with the necessary skills to react appropriately. Barry believes that complying with certain legal requirements, such as Roadworthy Certificates and valid drivers’ licences is merely a foundation to adequately prepare drivers for safe passage on the road, and that more needs to be done to make road travel safer. “HCV’s free in-cab driver training is aimed at equipping drivers to react appropriately to hazardous situations. It is our way of giving back to the South African community, helping to make our roads safer for all road users,” explains Barry.

“Brokers should recommend corrective driver training to their clients, not just those who make frequent claims, but also new and existing clients. Alternatively they can use it to give new and existing drivers the advantage with advanced road skills and good driving behaviours,” concludes Barry.

Importantly, HCV is committed to consistently improving the driver training programme, and has recently hired a full-time driver trainer. The best part, it’s free. HCV would encourage more policyholders and the greater transport community to make use of this service. Contact HCV on 08610-CARES (22737) or visit http://www.hcv-online.co.za/ to find out more.

[1] Abela website - http://abela.co.za/