The UAE truck drivers have revealed the personal impact of the challenges they face carrying out their work, with 57% of drivers claiming to always or sometimes experience stress during their work and the majority finding that the stress of the job carries over into their personal lives, according to a study by Continental, the premium German tyre company
The stresses of the job affected the majority of those surveyed, with 29% finding it impacted negatively on their personal life. Around 24% claimed to find it difficult to switch off after completing their work, with 13% suffering sleep deprivation and 10% finding it made them more impatient.
The study also highlighted truck drivers’ concerns in relation to other drivers. When asked how other road users could adapt their driving style to facilitate truck drivers’ own driving experiences, 50% of drivers raised the issue of others maintaining a safe distance from trucks; 37% said they could better observe traffic regulations; and 33% suggested that they could be more considerate of truck drivers.
Emphasising the stressful nature of the job, and importance of supporting truck drivers, the study revealed that half of those questioned had been involved in accidents. When asked what one thing would most improve their ability to perform their job, 39% of respondents mentioned additional training, with 26% proposing more breaks and 17% decreasing the distances travelled. Reassuringly, 74% of drivers said that tyres are the most important aspect of truck safety.
Thomas Edelmann, founder of RoadSafetyUAE, said, "Driver fatigues, as well as the causes of stress for truck drivers are often overlooked and hence, I am exhilarated that Continental initiated this campaign to shed light on the importance of truck safety and introduce the human element to this subject. I encourage all truck operating companies to follow Continental's lead and focus on the importance of this topic."
The study, which involved speaking to 54 truck drivers from around the UAE, was conducted by Continental as part of its global Vison Zero safety initiative. It follows on from other similar studies conducted by the brand in the Emirates regarding the attitude of parents of children of school age towards their car tyres, and the awareness of tyre safety among new drivers.
