The single-largest group of drivers and road users in South Africa are the long haul drivers, which is why an improvement in the performance of this influential group of road users will have a significant impact on road safety, says management consultancy the Confidant Group CEO Chantal Walley.

“In any enterprise, hiring the right talent is a critical element in executing the business plan and, in the logistics business, the performance of long-distance drivers impacts directly on the bottom line,” she says.

Walley adds that, while driver education, monitoring equipment and rules and procedures are important business practices, they do not guarantee driver adherence.

However, long-distance driving requires a specific talent – one which is ‘wired’ to achieve clear, measurable performance standards while on journeys thousands of kilometres long.

These drivers may, for example, be required to deliver zero driver- caused accidents and zero traffic violations, while achieving company standards assessed measuring fuel and tyre use and vehicle maintenance.

“The drivers who will excel are extremely risk-averse and respond positively to a highly structured and predictable management environment that relies heavily on their specialised training,” says Walley, adding that they respond positively to unambiguous leadership that acknowledges and rewards high standards.

In light of this, Confidant Group compared the hiring effectiveness at three depots in the country. The top depot achieved 91% compliance with the critical hiring specification, the next-best depot scored 84%, while the poorest- performing depot achieved 65%, also having the highest number of the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration cases, as well as the worst accident rate and the highest vehicle maintenance costs.

“Companies that align their hiring practices with their business objectives therefore have the edge on their competitors,” Walley emphasises.

She concludes that the logistics industry, owing to its massive presence on South African roads, will do the country “a significant service” by reducing fatalities and costs associated with accidents and by providing role models to influence other drivers.