Driving in pressurised environments
While there are less drivers on the road during the current restrictions, it is likely truck drivers are operating under a higher level of pressure than before COVID-19. As more people fall ill and workforces shrink as a result of economic challenges, those still working are pressurised as a result of long hours, additional shifts or demand for urgent deliveries.
For the fleet
The managing director of MasterDrive, Eugene Herbert, says these conditions place extra pressure on both fleet and non-commercial drivers. Follow these steps to remain safe on the road while driving in a highly pressurised environment:
- Follow the principle of two hours of driving interspersed with 15-minute breaks
- If you feel that fatigued after a long or difficult shift, rather express your concerns to your fleet managers than place yourself under pressure and endanger yourself and others
- Listen to news reports and watch social media to be aware of heavy traffic and find less stressful routes
- If you start to feel drowsy rather react immediately, whether this is by taking a break or a catnap, if that works for you
- Keep your distance from aggressive or bad drivers rather than respond negatively to them
- Before you leave for every trip ensure that your vehicle is in good condition and has adequate fuel. Inform your manager to remedy any problems before you leave again
- Focus on your health. As a fleet driver your risk is higher. Be mindful of the food you eat, get adequate sleep and exercise regularly. This will help you handle high-pressure environments better
- Be attentive to your driving posture to prevent backache and other muscle strain from long hours behind the wheel
- Give yourself extra time to avoid rushing and taking risks. It will not save you more than a few minutes which is not worth it
For private vehicle drivers
- Do not add to the stress these drivers face by driving recklessly, not leaving an adequate following distance or overtaking dangerously.
- Under level four lockdown, avoid being on the road as much as possible.
- Learn to spot a driver who may be fatigued or struggling. They would be neglecting the basic principles of defensive driving such as leaving a small following distance or weaving in and out of traffic or even in their own lane.
- Look out for badly maintained vehicles. These vehicles pose a greater risk and these fleet operators may be requiring drivers to work unfair or unreasonable hours.
- Do not pressurise drivers to take risks such as driving in the yellow lane on a blind rise.
- Do not follow closely behind trucks as they need longer distances to stop and would react long in advance compared to a car.
- Give way to trucks when merging lanes and do not block them.
- Be aware of a truck's blind spot and don't remain in that spot longer than necessary.
Many truck drivers have played a role in helping the country continue running throughout lockdown. "Not only do we need to work together economically but on the roads as well to emerge from this challenge a stronger nation in all spears," says Herbert.
