Fifty seven percent of UAE truck drivers claim to always or sometimes experience stress during their work, and the majority find that the stress of the job carries over into their personal lives, according to a survey conducted by Continental Middle East in collaboration with RoadSafetyUAE and fleet operators Al Ahli General Transport, Masafi Land Transport and Ocean City Transport.
The study, which involved 54 truck drivers from around the UAE, was conducted as part of Continental’s global Vison Zero safety initiative to totally eradicate road accidents, injuries and fatalities by enhancing drivers’ knowledge, attitude and awareness.
The stresses of the job affected the majority of those surveyed, with 29 per cent finding it impacted negatively on their personal life; 24 per cent claimed to find it difficult to switch off after completing their work, with 13 per cent suffering sleep deprivation and 10 per cent finding it made them more impatient.
The study also highlighted truck drivers’ concerns in relation to other drivers. When asked how other road users could adapt their driving style to facilitate truck drivers’ own driving experiences, 50 per cent of drivers raised the issue of others maintaining a safe distance from trucks; 37 per cent said they could better observe traffic regulations; and 33 per cent suggested that they could be more considerate of truck drivers.
Emphasising the stressful nature of the job, and importance of supporting truck drivers, the study revealed that half of those questioned had been involved in accidents. When asked what one thing would most improve their ability to perform their job, 39 per cent of respondents mentioned additional training, with 26 per cent proposing more breaks and 17 per cent decreasing the distances travelled. Reassuringly, 74 per cent of drivers said that tyres are the most important aspect of truck safety.
Thomas Edelmann, founder of RoadSafetyUAE, said: “In previous workshops with the Abu Dhabi police traffic department, police officers stated that their main concerns with regards to truck accidents are truck driver fatigue and the poor conditions of the truck tyres. Driver fatigue as well as the causes of stress for truck drivers are often overlooked, and hence, I am exhilarated that Continental initiated this campaign to shed light on the importance of truck safety and introduce the human element to this subject. I encourage all truck operating companies to follow Continental’s lead and focus on the importance of this topic.”
Karel Kucera, general manager, Continental Middle East, commented: “The safety of all road users is a major concern for Continental. We were therefore pleased to discover that there was a strong understanding among the drivers of the critical role tyres play in truck safety. However, our primary objective for this study was to initiate a conversation among fleet operators and the wider public on the challenges truck drivers face.”
He added: “We wanted to help educate people about the personal experiences and stresses experienced by the UAE’s truck drivers, people who fulfil a vital role for the country’s economy. Based on the findings, it is clear that drivers would benefit from a greater focus on training and support with content on how to deal with the stresses they face. At the same time, there answers send a clear message to other road users about the effect their own driving styles can have on truck drivers’ abilities to conduct their work safely.”