Driving large and heavy-duty trucks is not an easy profession because you have to deal with the great risks involved such as getting caught in a life-threatening accident. Large truck drivers are always at risk of sustaining severe injuries when they get involved in a traffic mishap. Unfortunately, accidents involving trucks are quite common throughout Australia. In fact, every year, according to the Australian Government’s Department of Infrastructure and Transport, approximately 200 people are killed every year in the country as a result of truck accidents. Because of this, it is extremely important for trucking companies to ensure the safety and health of their drivers.
There are several factors why truck accidents happen on Australian roads. According to traffic safety experts, common causes of road accidents involving large trucks include impaired or intoxicated driving, drowsy driving, and violation of traffic laws.
- Driving under the influence of alcohol – Many Australians are fond of drinking alcohol, unfortunately, even on-duty truckers. Professional truck drivers who think that they can handle alcohol intoxication are up to no good because they may put their own and other people’s lives in danger. Drunk driving is one of the common causes of road accidents in Australia and has claimed countless lives throughout history. Because alcohol can cloud people’s driving skills and ability to think and decide reasonably, drunk drivers are more likely to cause an accident than sober motorists. Trucking companies should strictly and effectively monitor their truckers to know whether or not they are performing their duties well. They can do this by installing GPS tracking systems on their trucks. Companies must also create and implement effective policies and rules with regard to drinking and driving.
- Fatigue, exhaustion, or drowsiness – Truckers are subjected to demanding work schedule. Some of them may be required to work during late at night or even at dawn. Because of this, it is not unusual for some of them to feel fatigue and exhausted while driving, which makes them closer to danger. When a driver is sleepy, chances are, he would have a hard time controlling the vehicle or make reasonable decisions. When this happens to truck drivers, they can create a big road disaster, not only endangering their own but other motorists’ lives as well. Truck drivers must make sure that they get enough good rest before hitting the road. It is also suggested that they maintain a healthy diet to improve their body’s endurance. Trucking companies also have the responsibility to make sure their drivers are one-hundred percent when working. They can offer fitness programs to their drivers to keep them in good shape, and to conduct regular medical check-up to make sure their truckers are in good health.
- Violating traffic laws – Traffic rules are in place to assure public safety on the road, and when these rules are violated, chances are, accidents could happen. Truckers who break traffic rules are likely to cause a traffic disaster. Even seemingly minor traffic violations, such as running over a stop sign, could spell disaster, which is why it is vital for anyone to abide by the rules at all times. Trucking companies must make sure that their drivers are abiding by the traffic rules not just to avoid tickets but also to assure their safety. Drivers, on the other hand, must religiously follow the traffic rules to avoid any accidents.
Australian trucking companies should monitor their employees effectively to ensure their safety and to protect their business interests. Investing on handy fleet devices like GPS systems should be considered. Aside from such devices are effective in monitoring drivers, it can also promote work efficiency. GPS fleet tracking can help companies monitor trucks’ systems like engine hours and battery levels.
In addition to investing on GPS fleet tracking, trucking companies must also take into consideration the welfare of their truckers, making sure that they are in good health. Truck accidents in Australia can be significantly reduced if trucking companies and their drivers would work together.