SafePark survey reveals driver welfare issues
Security platform SafePark has highlighted results from its ongoing driver welfare survey, shining a light on numerous aspects of driver safety and wider wellbeing.
“Truck drivers, who serve as company representatives, are often left vulnerable in an industry that should prioritise their safety,” said SafePark.
“Safe parking shouldn’t be viewed as a luxury but as an essential provision.”
The app provider points out that while a curtain slash is often considered an occupational hazard, in effect this means that a person has been walking around a vehicle with a knife in their hand whilst the driver was asleep.
“SafePark’s ongoing driver welfare survey has revealed concerning results from those facing daily challenges on the road,” it said.
“Importantly, these responses were gathered without offering any incentives.”
Key findings include that 46 per cent of drivers surveyed have over 30 years of experience, and 92.4 per cent sleep in their trucks, with 25.3 per cent getting less than five hours of quality sleep.
66.9 per cent of companies cover parking costs, and 14.2 per cent only pay for parking when carrying cargo.
76.7 per cent of drivers said they had experienced verbal attacks, while 17.4 per cent had faced physical assault.
30.1 per cent said they hadn’t been victims of freight crime in the past five years. 29.5 per cent report significant personal life impacts from their profession. While 25.6 per cent of companies have mental health first aiders, 71.5 per cent of drivers wouldn’t seek help from workplace mental health support.
With some figures suggesting that truck drivers may be at heightened risk of suicide, SafePark has introduced a driver welfare section, which allows drivers to seek support discreetly. It says 21.5 per cent of drivers indicated they would use anonymous support through the SafePark app.
SafePark offers a free platform that helps drivers find parking based on risks.
“This is crucial given the increasing risks in the industry, with intelligence playing a key role in combating freight crime,” it said.
“Both hauliers and parking service providers can benefit from SafePark. It aids in driver retention, reduces insurance claims, and simplifies the process of finding secure, low risk parking locations.”
