Over the last ten years, the number of accidents involving trucks has more than halved, even though the number of these vehicles continues to rise, according to a report prepared for the “Professional Drivers” social campaign.
In 2015, trucks were involved in 3,377 road accidents in Poland. A decade ago, there were 7,635 such incidents. This represents a decrease of as much as 54 percent. The number of accidents involving trucks is decreasing, despite the fact that the number of trucks in the country is growing year by year. In 2006, there were over 2.1 million of them in Poland, and by 2014, there were already over 3 million. The number of accidents caused by truck drivers is also systematically falling, and at a much faster rate than the total number of road accidents (a decrease of over 60 percent, compared to 54 percent overall). In 2015, truck drivers were responsible for less than 5 percent of all accidents on Polish roads. For comparison, in 2006, this figure was almost 9 percent. The lower number of accidents is also accompanied by a lower number of injuries and deaths in accidents caused by truck drivers. Data shows that in 2006, 496 people died due to their fault. In 2015, this number was almost three times lower – 176.
– Transport companies are beginning to place a very strong emphasis not only on transport economics but also on comprehensive education related to road safety. They are increasingly organizing training sessions for their drivers where safety is the main topic – says Michał Proc from Volvo Trucks Poland, a partner of the “Professional Drivers” campaign.
Certainly, the significant improvement in the quality of Polish roads has contributed to increased safety. Experts also notice that the drivers themselves are changing. The number of people entering the transport industry by accident is decreasing. Drivers have matured; there is less dangerous behavior and less malice on the roads. It is also important that companies from the automotive industry are involved in improving the qualifications of professional drivers. An example is the nationwide “Professional Drivers” campaign, which has been running since May of this year and is organized by four market leaders: Volvo Trucks, Renault Trucks, Wielton, and Michelin. As part of this initiative, young truck drivers who do not yet have experience can improve their skills for free.
– Increasing road safety is very important, and we place great emphasis on this during training. Safe and responsible driving means fewer accidents and greater comfort for employers, who do not have to worry about the safety of the transported cargo – emphasizes Mariusz Golec, CEO of Wielton.
Participants in the training organized as part of the Professional Drivers campaign learn, among other things, how a truck behaves in real traffic.
– We show them the inertia of a 40-ton vehicle combination and the distance a vehicle travels from the moment the brake is pressed until it comes to a complete stop. We also teach, among other things, how to maneuver in tight spaces – lists Marcin Majak, Marketing Manager at Volvo Group Trucks.
The lower number of accidents is undoubtedly also influenced by increasingly advanced safety systems installed in trucks.
– Vehicles are becoming more modern year by year, but above all, they are becoming safer – emphasizes Michał Proc.
However, modern systems are not everything. Experts remind us that comfortable and safe driving depends most of all on the drivers themselves.
– If drivers do not take care of their own good reputation, it will be difficult to expect others to show them respect on the road – claims Robert Kantorek, a driving technique instructor at Volvo Poland.