South Africa’s logistics industry relies on long-haul trucking to keep goods moving across all nine provinces and into neighbouring countries.
Often considered the economy's lifeblood, trucking delivers essentials to various parts of the country while driving economic activity. However, the demanding hours and schedules can take a toll on drivers, with fatigue presenting a significant safety concern for road users when not managed.
As the industry evolves and truck manufacturers introduce innovative safety features, new solutions are being implemented to enhance driver well-being and road safety. From smart scheduling to AI-driven monitoring systems, these technologies pave the way for a safer and more efficient future in trucking.
Driver-monitoring systems
The advent of sophisticated driver-monitoring systems has significantly enhanced truck drivers' safety. This technology has been available in passenger vehicles and trucks for some time, and alerts drivers to signs of drowsiness or lapses in concentration and recommends breaks when necessary. AI-driven systems take this further by enabling fleet managers to monitor multiple drivers and ensure their safety.
Advanced solutions like FEV’s CogniSafe system utilise cameras and infrared technology to track driver movement. To assess alertness and fatigue levels, these systems monitor key indicators, such as gaze, eye closure, head positioning, and more.
Notably, the CogniSafe system can also detect unsafe behaviours, such as drinking while driving or using a mobile phone. It encourages safer driving practices through visual and acoustic warnings. If warnings are ignored, the system can intervene by activating features like emergency braking or lane assistance, further enhancing road safety.
"Driver safety is one of the most critical priorities in the logistics industry,” commented Ryan Gaines, CEO of City Logistics. “Advanced driver-monitoring systems make a real difference by detecting signs of fatigue or distraction and promoting safer driving practices. These technologies are essential in protecting drivers and other road users by alerting drivers when their focus drops and helping to prevent accidents. As an industry, we must continue to support innovations that enhance safety on every journey."
Tyre pressure monitoring systems (TPMS)
Many motorists underestimate the importance of maintaining correct tyre pressures. Incorrect pressures can negatively impact vehicle performance, handling, fuel consumption, and long-term tyre wear. More critically, it significantly increases the risk of tyre failure, leading to dangerous blowouts.
This is where Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) prove invaluable. These systems enable fleet managers to continuously monitor tyre pressures across their fleet, enhancing operational efficiency while reducing long-term costs. However, the most crucial benefit is improved driver safety. According to Michelin, under-inflated tyres are a leading cause of blowouts and accidents1.
With TPMS, fleet managers receive real-time alerts for low tyre pressures, allowing them to notify drivers to address the issue before it escalates. This proactive approach reduces the risk of accidents and costly downtime. Additionally, TPMS aids in scheduling maintenance ahead of time, minimising unforeseen repairs and keeping operations running smoothly.
Wellness initiatives
Ensuring drivers remain safe and focused behind the wheel requires more than just advanced technology and AI-assisted systems.
While these features play an important role, logistics companies also prioritise wellness programs and initiatives to keep drivers sharp and alert. Fatigue and health issues can significantly impact a trucker’s performance, making regular medical check-ups and health screenings essential for maintaining optimal well-being and road safety.
These efforts are often complemented by additional wellness programs, including stress management workshops and guidance on healthy nutrition, further supporting drivers' overall health and performance2.
Looking to the future
Although self-driving trucks won’t hit the roads anytime soon, autonomous technology promises to transform logistics and enhance trucking safety.
By reducing human error, self-driving trucks could significantly lower the risk of accidents and allow drivers to concentrate on shorter routes, while technology handles long-distance hauls. In the meantime, many modern trucks already feature advanced semi-autonomous capabilities, such as adaptive cruise control, lane assist, and other innovations designed to improve safety and efficiency.