The connection between cheap and easy fulfilment of transport demand and increased accidents or environmental risk is outlined. While lower speed limits would reduce accident risk, such a move is considered politically unpopular in Germany. Lorry drivers suffer from key problems of time-pressure, fatigue, distraction and poor working conditions across all nations and the role of the EU in legislating to improve their situation is described. Safety standards tend to be adhered to only if enforced. Consumers are motivated primarily by cost rather than by safety considerations. The influence of safety campaigns in raising awareness is discussed. Work stress is implicated as a major cause of accidents, particularly among lorry drivers. Better personnel management, safety equipment and treatment of accident black spots are recommended to alleviate this risk. Providing professional drivers with bonuses for accident-free periods and consequently reduced insurance costs is one measure shown to be successful. Ways of instilling a responsibility mentality in transportation companies and individual drivers are outlined. It is considered that an international platform linking traffic control agencies, health and safety agencies, price regulation agencies, producers and international transport agencies could help alleviate problems by integrated action. For the covering abstract see ITRD E118917.
Abstract