Page 20 - Logistics News - September October 2023

R O A D F R E I GHT S A F E T Y

Five reasons to prioritise

safety for freight transport

By Pieter Vermeulen, CEO, Crossroads Distribution

Safety is the paramount concern for freight companies operating in South Africa and
recent statistics underscore its critical importance.

ccording to the latest data from the South African Protecting lives. Safety measures and adherence to
Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), the compliance standards are paramount for one fundamental
Acountry continues to grapple with alarmingly high reason – they save lives. In South Africa, the business
freight road accident rates, with more than 4,600 fatal crashes of freight transport is filled with unpredictable variables,
involving freight vehicles. These numbers not only represent a from weather conditions to congested traffic, broken
staggering loss of life, but also have profound economic and infrastructure and even unforeseen events like social unrest.
social implications. By implementing rigorous safety protocols, freight companies
can reduce the risk of accidents and minimise the potential
Road freight accidents also have substantial economic harm to drivers, the public and the environment.
repercussions, costing the nation billions annually. According
to the South African Road Federation, these accidents Unfortunately, the problem is exacerbated in South Africa,
account for more than R140-billion in direct and indirect with many smaller operators tending to get away with under-
costs every year. This financial burden includes expenses compliance, while some larger operators overcompensate by
related to medical care, vehicle repairs, lost productivity and over-regulating themselves. There needs to be stricter control
legal proceedings. of compliance breaches, and clients would be well advised
to only partner with reputable operators who are members of
Furthermore, the World Health Organisation reported that the Road Freight Association.
South Africa had an annual road traffic fatality rate in excess
of 25.1 per 100,000 people, highlighting the human toll of Reputation and trust. Reputation is everything in
these accidents. This rate is significantly higher than in many road freight. By prioritising safety and compliance, freight
other countries, including those in Europe and North America, companies can work towards building a solid reputation as
where road safety measures and infrastructure are generally reliable partners. Clients and partners value this reliability
more advanced. In the US, for example, the rate is less than and expect their goods to be transported safely, on time and
12.5 per 100,000, while European countries are significantly without incident.
lower, at 2.8 and 2.9 for Sweden and the UK respectively.
Legal and financial consequences. Failing to comply
Addressing road safety therefore remains a critical with safety regulations and standards can also have dire
challenge for South Africa’s economic and social well-being. legal and financial repercussions. Non-compliance may lead
to hefty fines, protracted legal battles or even the revocation
Prioritising safety of licences. When freight companies invest in safety and
Safety isn’t just another box to check, it’s the very foundation compliance, it acts as a shield, protecting people from potential
on which our industry stands. It protects lives, builds liabilities and securing their future. This not only helps them
trust, safeguards the environment and ensures long-term meet legal requirements, but also safeguards their bottom line.
sustainability. That’s why prioritising safety is not just a In the long run, adherence to safety standards is an investment
choice, it’s an ethical and professional responsibility. in financial stability and business longevity.

18 SEP T E MB E R/O CT O B E R 2023 www .l o g ist i csn e w s .c o .z a