The Road Accident Fund (RAF) is set to roll out its Mobile Bus to deliver crucial wellness services to truck drivers at the inaugural Truck Driver Symposium on Thursday, March 7, 2024, at the Birchwood Hotel and Conference Centre in Boksburg. Organized by the Safer Stops Association and the Department of Transport, this event aims to enhance the safety and wellbeing of truck drivers, recognizing their vital role in the transportation industry.
The RAF Driver Wellness Programme, a cornerstone of the Fund’s road safety initiatives, targets the reduction of accidents caused by driver fatigue and other health-related issues. Equipped with essential diagnostic tools, including tests for high blood pressure, diabetes, and eyesight, the mobile clinic boasts a dispensing nurse and an optometrist to provide driving glasses on-site at no charge to the beneficiaries.
Collins Letsoalo, CEO of the RAF, expressed enthusiasm for the symposium, emphasizing its significance in bolstering road safety efforts. “The event looks at the all-inclusive safety of a truck driver, including truck stops, driver wellness, and safety within the industry,” Letsoalo stated.
Road safety is a significant focus area for the RAF because fewer road accidents mean fewer claims submitted to the Fund.
The symposium anticipates the participation of 180 truck drivers from across the nation, along with nearly 400 other delegates, including fleet and risk managers. Attendees will engage in interactive panel discussions, explore exhibitions, and undergo comprehensive medical assessments covering topics such as nutrition, exercise, and mental health.
Minister of Transport, Sindisiwe Chikunga, will deliver the opening address, supported by provincial MECs and key stakeholders in the trucking industry. Chikunga’s involvement underscores the government’s commitment to prioritizing the safety and wellbeing of truck drivers, recognizing their critical role in national transportation networks.
Statistics reveal that commercial trucks, taxis, and buses pose a significant risk on the roads, often leading to mass accidents—a liability for the RAF. To address this challenge, the RAF has introduced the wellness bus initiative, aiming to mitigate health-related risks among drivers and ultimately contribute to safer roads and fewer accidents.
By providing essential health services and promoting wellness initiatives, the RAF’s participation in the Truck Driver Symposium underscores its dedication to fostering a safer and healthier environment for all road users, while also alleviating the economic and social burdens associated with road accidents.
