Page 24 - Logistics News - May June 2022

C OMMUNIC AT ION T E C HNOL O GY

Outdated fleet management

communication devices put

road users at risk

By Justin Manson, Sales Director, Webfleet Solutions

As industries across the globe commemorate World Telecommunication and Information Society
Day (WTISD), the United Nations has highlighted the possibilities that the Internet and other
information and communication technologies (ICT) can bring to societies and economies.

doption of these technologies is an some of these devices still require drivers to take their
urgent requirement in South Africa’s fleet eyes off the road.
Amanagement sector, where countless
businesses still use cell phones to communicate Cell phone use while driving a growing concern
with drivers. But, unfortunately, this method of A video recently emerged of a South African truck driver
communication is both hugely expensive and, most using his cell phone while driving. First, he checks the
importantly, incredibly unsafe. road ahead to see a side tipper truck a few metres ahead.
He then proceeds to use his cell phone with both hands,
Despite innovations like two-way radios and push- however, the side tipper in front of him stops abruptly
to-talk Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) devices while his attention is on his mobile device. By the time
promoting safer and more cost-effective communication he realises the imminent danger, it’s already too late and
methods than cell phones, network coverage still heavily there’s no way for him to avoid colliding into the back of
impacts the effectiveness of these solutions. Additionally, the truck. The crash happened in under two seconds of
him looking down at his cell phone.

This is just one example of how cell phone use
remains a serious concern for drivers, other road users
and fleet operators, whose concentration continues to be
compromised by these devices. According to a report by
Transport Research Laboratory, drivers who read and
compose text messages while driving had a 35 percent
slower reaction time and reduced ability to maintain
vehicle control. The research also found that when
texting, drivers slowed significantly, indicating that they
L O GI S T I CS NEWS by reducing speed.
recognised the impairment and attempted to mitigate risk

Digital technology can eliminate distracted driving
A driver’s use of a cell phone or even a two-way radio to

22 M A Y/JUNE 2022 communicate puts the lives of other road users at risk. It
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