This article
Explores the significant financial benefits of road safety compliance for business operators in the trucking sector. We discuss how adhering to safety regulations and implementing advanced safety measures can save substantial costs by reducing accidents, lowering insurance premiums, and minimizing vehicle repair expenses. Furthermore, we delve into the positive impact on operational efficiency, highlighting how improved safety can decrease downtime and enhance reliability. Additionally, we examine the role of safety in driver retention and recruitment, demonstrating how a strong safety record can attract and retain skilled drivers, thereby reducing turnover costs. By fostering a safety-first culture and leveraging the latest safety technologies, businesses can protect their workforce and improve their bottom line. Through this comprehensive analysis, we aim to show that investing in road safety is not just a regulatory obligation but a strategic financial decision.
An Overview
Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs), defined as motor vehicles with at least four wheels and a gross vehicle weight over 3.5 tonnes, play a vital role in inland freight transport, accounting for 77.4% of EU road freight transport in 2020 (Eurostat, 2022a). Despite their importance, HGVs are involved in 4-5% of police-reported road crashes in Europe, however, resulting in 14% of road fatalities (Schindler et al., 2022; EC, 2021a). The disproportionate severity of these crashes underscores the need for enhanced road safety measures. The majority of fatalities and serious injuries occur to the opponents in crashes, primarily due to the significant weight disparity between HGVs and other vehicles. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for improving road safety strategies for truck drivers.
Causation factors
Professional driver crashes typically result from a combination of human, infrastructure, and vehicle factors, although it's rare for a crash to be caused by just one factor.
Truckers are susceptible to the same human factors that increase crash risk, such as speeding, driving under the influence, and tailgating. Additionally, they are more prone to fatigue and distractions compared to non-professional drivers.
Meunier (2019) identifies several road infrastructure features critical for HGV-related safety:
- Sharp bends: These can cause the load of a truck to shift, altering its center of gravity and potentially leading to tipping over. Sharp bends may also force HGVs to encroach into oncoming traffic lanes.
- Narrow driving lanes: Narrow lanes may compel HGV drivers to utilize portions of lanes designated for oncoming traffic.
- Short entry and exit lanes: Limited entry lanes can result in insufficient merging speeds onto motorways, while short exit lanes may not allow adequate deceleration time, leading to either high speeds at exits or premature deceleration on motorways.
- Steep slopes: Uphill gradients can cause speed reduction in HGVs, creating greater speed differentials with passenger vehicles.
Vehicle factors contributing to crashes involving HGVs include:
- Long braking distances: The mass of these vehicles necessitates longer braking distances, which becomes critical when drivers are distracted or fatigued.
- Large blind spots: HGVs and buses/coaches have significant blind spots, making it challenging for drivers to see pedestrians and cyclists nearby. Although mirrors and camera systems help mitigate blind spots, they don't eliminate them entirely, requiring careful mirror adjustment and active use.
- Vehicle load: Unbalanced or overweight loads can lead to problems during braking, sharp turns, or steep slopes, affecting vehicle stability.
- Tire issues: Burst tires or blowouts are more common in heavy vehicles, reducing vehicle control and potentially causing startled responses from drivers and other road users.
- Misunderstanding by other road users: Some road users may not fully grasp the driving and vehicle characteristics of HGVs and buses/coaches, including their long braking distances and blind spots, leading to inadequate anticipation of their actions.
Human Impact of HGV Crashes
The human toll of heavy goods vehicle (HGV) crashes is notably severe when compared to other types of vehicles. The European Commission's Road Safety Thematic Report (2023) provides detailed insights into these impacts.
Disproportionate Fatalities:
HGVs are involved in 4-5% of police-reported road crashes in Europe. However, these crashes account for 14% of all road fatalities (European Environment Agency's home page). This highlights the significantly higher lethality of HGV crashes compared to crashes involving other vehicle types.
Impact on Other Road Users:
In HGV-related crashes, nearly 90% of fatalities are occupants of other vehicles rather than the HGV itself. The reason for this is primarily due to the significant weight and size difference between HGVs and most other vehicles. When an HGV collides with a lighter vehicle, the energy of the crash is mostly absorbed by the smaller vehicle, leading to severe damage and higher fatality rates for its occupants.
Severity of Injuries:
The severity of injuries in HGV crashes is also higher. The significant mass of HGVs means that when they are involved in collisions, the resultant forces and energy can cause devastating damage, leading to more severe injuries among those involved.
Financial Impact of HGVs Crashes
According to the ACEA report, there are about 286 million vehicles registered in the EU, with 1.38% being heavy goods vehicles (HGVs). This means there are approximately 3.93 million HGVs in use across the EU. The EU handbook on the external costs of transport (European Commission, 2019) and the SafetyCube project (Wijnen et al., 2017) provide comprehensive cost estimates for road crashes. Annually, the total cost of road crashes in the EU is estimated at around €280 billion.
By applying a proportional approach, assuming that the financial losses caused by each vehicle type are distributed equally, we can estimate the financial impact of HGV-related crashes. Given that HGVs make up 1.38% of all vehicles, the estimated annual financial loss attributed to HGV crashes is approximately €3.876 billion. This calculation underscores the significant economic burden of HGV-related incidents and highlights the critical need for enhanced road safety measures for these vehicles.
However, considering the higher cost per crash, per every class of cost highlighted above, for HGVs, it becomes evident that a proportional approach may not accurately reflect the true financial impact. At Clevgo Driver, we believe that the actual losses are closer to €10 billion annually.
Investing in road safety is not just a regulatory obligation but a strategic financial decision
Viewing road safety as a strategic financial decision allows businesses to proactively manage risks, protect assets, enhance reputation, reduce costs, and drive long-term sustainable growth and success.
What Do Regulating Bodies Do?
Driving Time and Rest Periods: Regulations on driving hours and mandatory breaks are crucial for reducing driver fatigue and enhancing road safety. However, enforcement varies by country, and nearly 2 million violations were reported in the EU between 2017 and 2018. Research indicates that stricter monitoring and enforcement improve compliance and safety.
Separating Heavy Vehicles: Spatial or temporal separation of HGVs from other traffic, especially cyclists and pedestrians, significantly reduces collisions and serious injuries. This aligns with the Safe System approach of minimizing crash impact forces. Examples include dedicated bicycle/pedestrian facilities, HGV lanes, and urban distribution restrictions.
Overtaking Bans for HGVs: Banning HGVs from overtaking on motorways can reduce speed differentials with lighter vehicles, offering modest overall safety benefits, particularly on uphill sections and well-spaced junctions.
Infrastructure Warnings: Special safety messages and signs tailored to HGVs, such as warnings about low clearances, rollover risks, and steep grades, enhance driver awareness. Dedicated HGV navigation systems help avoid unsuitable routes.
Safe Parking Areas: Adequate, safe, and secure parking areas for HGVs are essential, particularly for international drivers. The EU is addressing current shortages by implementing new standards and co-financing construction projects to ensure a denser network of safe parking facilities.
Vehicle Safety Regulations: The 2019 EU Vehicle General Safety Regulation mandates several safety features for new trucks from July 2024, including:
- Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA)
- Reversing information systems
- Attention detection
- Emergency stop signals
- Cybersecurity measures
- Collision detection for pedestrians/cyclists
- Tire pressure monitoring
Additional measures, such as advanced distraction recognition systems and event data recorders, will be introduced between 2024 and 2029. There are calls for further enhancements, such as mandatory alcohol interlocks and non-overridable ISA for professional drivers.
What Can You Do as a Carrier?
Training, Education, and Information
As a carrier, ensuring that your professional HGV drivers receive proper training and education is crucial for enhancing road safety. Basic training and periodic refresher courses every five years are mandated by the EU. Although the effects of driver training are hard to measure objectively, self-reported evaluations, such as those from Norway[Nævestad, Blom & Phillips (2020)], indicate that many drivers gain new knowledge and adjust their driving practices positively after these courses.
You can also enhance your company's safety culture by offering targeted courses and information on topics like driver fatigue, distraction, and interaction with vulnerable road users. While the effectiveness of standalone training programs varies, integrating them into a comprehensive safety strategy can be beneficial. Addressing the underlying causes of issues such as driver fatigue, rather than just the symptoms, is essential for improving alertness and overall safety.
Safety Culture and Safety Management
Cultivating a robust safety culture within your company involves fostering shared safety values and standards among management, the planning department, and drivers. Research shows that a strong safety culture leads to safer driving behaviors.
Implement clear safety rules regarding speeding, seatbelt use, and mobile phone use. In-vehicle monitoring systems (IVMS) can support these efforts by providing real-time feedback and encouraging compliance. Additionally, focus on realistic time planning to prevent driver fatigue and ensure adherence to driving time and rest period regulations.
Based on a study of 17 companies in Norway [Nævestad, Blom & Phillips (2020)], effective safety management practices include:
- Implementing a clear policy on speed, driving style, and seatbelt use.
- Providing regular feedback to drivers about their driving style.
- Encouraging drivers to stop and postpone assignments if they feel unsafe.
By adopting these measures, you can significantly enhance the safety and well-being of your drivers, ultimately contributing to safer roads for everyone. Additionally, these improvements can lead to substantial financial benefits for your business by reducing accident-related costs, such as vehicle repairs, insurance premiums, and legal liabilities.
Benefits:
- Reduced Downtime: Enhanced safety practices result in fewer accidents, leading to less downtime for vehicle repairs and maintenance. This ensures that your fleet remains operational and productive, reducing delays in delivery schedules.
- Fuel Efficiency: Training drivers on safe and efficient driving techniques, such as maintaining steady speeds and avoiding harsh braking, can lead to better fuel efficiency. This reduces fuel costs, which are a significant expense for any carrier.
- Maintenance Costs: Regular training and a strong safety culture encourage drivers to take better care of their vehicles, promptly reporting any issues. This proactive approach helps in early detection and resolution of potential problems, reducing long-term maintenance costs.
- Compliance: Ensuring adherence to driving time and rest period regulations minimizes the risk of penalties and fines. Staying compliant with regulations also protects your company from legal liabilities and potential lawsuits.
- Route Optimization: With the aid of advanced navigation systems tailored for HGVs, drivers can avoid unsuitable routes, reducing the time and fuel spent on detours. This leads to more efficient route planning and delivery schedules.
- Driver Retention: A focus on driver well-being through proper rest, realistic time planning, and a supportive safety culture can improve job satisfaction and retention rates. Retaining experienced drivers reduces recruitment and training costs for new hires.
- Customer Satisfaction: Reliable and timely deliveries, resulting from efficient operations and fewer disruptions, enhance customer satisfaction and trust. This can lead to repeat business and a stronger market position.
- Insurance Premiums: Although the practice of reducing premiums solely based on safety training has become less common, the principle that a strong commitment to safety can lead to financial benefits through lower insurance costs remains valid in many contexts. It is worthwhile to explore different brokers and insurance programs that align with this approach. While this practice is somewhat outdated today, ClevGo Driver is actively working to revive it in partnership with Renomia Insurance Broker.
By integrating these practices into your operations, you not only improve safety and well-being but also enhance the overall efficiency and profitability of your business. This comprehensive approach ensures sustainable growth and a competitive edge in the industry.
How Safety Culture Affects Driver Retention
A robust safety culture has a profound impact on driver retention, influencing various aspects of a driver’s experience and satisfaction within a company. Here’s how:
1. Enhanced Job Satisfaction
A strong safety culture demonstrates a company’s commitment to the well-being of its drivers. When drivers feel that their safety is a top priority, their job satisfaction increases. They are more likely to feel valued and respected, which fosters a positive work environment and strengthens their loyalty to the company.
2. Reduced Stress and Fatigue
A safety-focused work environment often includes realistic scheduling, adequate rest periods, and measures to prevent fatigue. By ensuring drivers are well-rested and not overworked, companies can reduce the stress and physical strain on their drivers. This leads to better overall health and well-being, making drivers more inclined to stay with the company long-term.
3. Lower Accident Rates
With a strong safety culture, companies experience fewer accidents. This not only reduces the physical and emotional toll on drivers but also minimizes the bureaucratic and logistical hassles associated with accidents. Drivers who consistently experience a safer work environment are less likely to seek employment elsewhere.
4. Professional Development
Companies with a strong safety culture often invest in ongoing training and education. This professional development helps drivers improve their skills and stay updated on the latest safety practices and technologies. Drivers who see opportunities for growth and development are more likely to remain with the company.
5. Supportive Work Environment
A safety-oriented culture fosters open communication and mutual respect among employees. Drivers feel supported by their peers and management, creating a cohesive and collaborative work environment. When drivers feel part of a supportive community, their attachment to the company strengthens.
6. Recognition and Incentives
Safety cultures often include recognition programs that reward safe driving behaviors. Incentives such as bonuses, awards, and public acknowledgment of safety achievements can motivate drivers to maintain high safety standards. Recognized and rewarded drivers are more likely to feel appreciated and stay with the company.
7. Improved Reputation
Companies known for their strong safety culture build a positive reputation in the industry. This not only attracts new drivers but also helps retain current employees who take pride in working for a reputable company. A good reputation can be a powerful retention tool, as drivers prefer to associate with respected and reliable employers.
What does a seasoned Transport and Logistics Insurance Specialist think?
As insurance brokers, we see firsthand how crucial robust safety practices are in mitigating risks and reducing the frequency and severity of claims. Road safety for long-haul truckers is particularly critical, given the unique challenges they face, such as long hours, diverse road conditions, and varying traffic regulations. Implementing comprehensive safety training programs not only enhances driver safety but also positively impacts a company's risk profile, potentially leading to more favorable insurance premiums.
Marius Popescu, Transport and Logistics Insurance Specialist, Renomia Insurance Reinsurance Broker
From a personal standpoint, I strongly believe that investing in road safety is an investment in the well-being of drivers and the sustainability of the transportation industry. By prioritizing safety, companies demonstrate their commitment to their employees and the public, fostering a culture of responsibility and care that can lead to long-term benefits beyond just financial savings.
Conclusion
Investing in road safety is a strategic financial decision for business operators in the trucking sector, offering significant financial benefits beyond mere regulatory compliance. By adhering to safety regulations and implementing advanced safety measures, companies can substantially reduce costs associated with accidents, insurance premiums, and vehicle repairs. Enhanced safety practices also lead to improved operational efficiency by minimizing downtime and increasing reliability, which is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge.
Moreover, a strong safety record plays a vital role in driver retention and recruitment. Companies that prioritize safety are more likely to attract and retain skilled drivers, reducing turnover costs and fostering a loyal, experienced workforce. This commitment to safety not only protects employees but also enhances the overall reputation of the business, creating a positive cycle of trust and reliability.
By fostering a safety-first culture and leveraging the latest safety technologies, businesses can safeguard their workforce and significantly improve their bottom line. The comprehensive approach to road safety discussed in this article underscores the value of such investments in driving long-term growth and success.
Feel free to inquire about how we can help you achieve your safety and operational goals.
References
European Commission (2023) Road Safety Thematic Report – Professional drivers of trucks and buses. European Road Safety Observatory. Brussels, European Commission, Directorate General for Transport.
