Capital Equipment News December 2024 - January 2025

COMMERCIAL VEHICLES

Volvo Trucks committed to enhancing road safety across SA The number of trucks on South African roads has increased over the past few years due to a decline in freight rail volumes. On the N3 Toll Route, for instance, heavy vehicles make up more than 30% of traffic.

A ccidents involving heavy trucks often result in severe consequences. While the causes of these incidents are complex and multifaceted, a driver’s behaviour on the road can play a crucial role in preventing tragedy. Equally

important is the conduct of other road users around trucks, as their actions can significantly influence the likelihood of an accident occurring. Understanding the causes of accidents is crucial to preventing them. Since 1969, Volvo Trucks’ Accident Research Team has

analysed accident data and investigated over 1 700 truck-related incidents. Volvo Trucks’ safety research highlights that reducing road accidents requires a combination of enhanced truck safety systems, improved road infrastructure, and increased risk awareness among all road users. “The human factor, which applies to all road users, is a key element,” said Waldemar Christensen, Managing Director of Volvo Trucks South Africa. “How a driver anticipates and responds to situations - particularly on busy roads - can significantly impact the risk of accidents involving trucks. To this day, the driver is still the number one safety system in the truck. An attentive driver who understands the risks makes all the difference.” Advances in vehicle technology, such as seatbelts, automated transmissions

“How a driver anticipates and responds to situations - particularly on busy roads - can significantly impact the risk of accidents involving trucks.”

Waldemar Christensen, Managing Director of Volvo Trucks South Africa.

TALKING POINT

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