Make a bigger investment in road safety, operators urged

Significant financial, regulatory and societal barriers are preventing commercial vehicle operators from investing more in road safety practices, according to a report from the International Road Transport Union (IRU).

It found that while 80% of logistics operators will continue to invest in road safety and the industry recognises it has a key role in safety improvements, financial resources, a resistance to change and technology know-how were all preventing further investment.

The IRU said 3,500 people die on the roads around the world every day and investment has never been more critical.

It said less than 3% of road accidents involve commercial vehicles and of those that do, 85% are caused by human error.

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Of this number, 25% are the fault of the professional driver and 75% are due to the other road user.

Its report found that operators see a clear commercial benefit in investing in road safety practices, but they are driven first and foremost by a strong sense of social responsibility.

The findings suggest action in four areas: the private and public sector working together to build a strong road safety culture; targeting business incentives; enforced training and the harmonisation of international standards.

Umberto de Pretto, IRU secretary general, said: “Commercial road transport operators are involved in a small percentage of all accidents, yet have a very strong sense of social responsibility and, with the right changes to boost investment, they can also help others advance and make our roads safer for all.”