Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/403645
22 D R I V E R ' S D I G ES T #3/2014 Text Alastair Macduff Illustration Dan Hambe THE DRIVING CHALLENGE The human factor It is an unavoidable fact that around 90 percent of today's traffic accidents are caused by human error. As truck drivers, we accept our responsibilities on the road. How, then, can we positively influence this worrying statistic? According to Scott Sokach, Driver Development Manager at Volvo Trucks, the trick is in the preparation. "As safe drivers, we can all take precautions to avoid getting into dangerous situations. The driver's role is imperative in raising safety on our roads, even with the technology we have at our fingertips. In fact it is technology and the 'modern environment' that can sometimes contribute to the problem – the use of mobile phones, for example. These problems can multiply when it comes to operating large, heavy vehicles." There are common driving situations that we control – for example, turning our vehicle, backing, load securing and avoiding distractions. There are also environmental concerns to factor into any journey, such as the weather, speed limits, road signage and lighting. However, planning ahead is a choice that we ourselves make, a choice that can have a positive effect on all road users. By proactively avoiding possible 'danger zones', we minimize risks in every scenario we encounter. "There are many factors that improve safety, such as the trucks themselves and the environment around them. Yet the professional driver can influence their safety and even the behavior and safety of other traffic users around them by good planning - assessing potential problematic situations, whatever the environment or conditions they are driving in," says Scott Sokach. These types of accidents have become more common in recent times. If you are first in line at a set of lights when turning to the blind side, you can indicate early, leaving space when possible in front of the truck (before the white/stop line) so that any unprotected road users can place themselves in front of you, enabling you to see them more easily. Right-turn accidents 2 As a driver you know that a truck needs to stay to the left in order to turn right. However many road users have no understanding of this. Cyclists and pedestrians are both vulnerable and unpredictable. Treat people like they are going to do the unexpected. Unprotected road users 1 Fuel Economy Wear and tear Safety B E N E F ITS 22 D R I V E R ' S D I G ES T #3/2014