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Why Driver Health Is a Business Essential

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An interview with Dr. Tracy Sanders, medical lead on the Guud Drivers initiative, reveals urgent health trends among South Africa’s commercial drivers and why businesses cannot afford to ignore them.

In the commercial transport industry, safety, compliance, and efficiency are all inextricably linked to one often overlooked factor: Driver Health. The Guud Drivers initiative, which has assessed over 16,000 commercial drivers nationwide, is bringing critical awareness to the health and compliance status of South Africa’s professional drivers, and providing scalable solutions that directly benefit employers, employees, and the public. We sat down with Dr. Sanders, who has been at the forefront of this initiative, to understand the current landscape and why companies should prioritise driver health and compliance to reduce liability, lower risk, and improve driver well-being.

Commercial drivers operate in one of the most sedentary, high-stress professions in South Africa. With long hours behind the wheel, limited access to healthy food, and scarce time for medical check-ups, the result is a worrying trend in health data. According to the most recent quarter of assessments involving 3,200 drivers:

A Workforce Under Pressure: The Health Status of SA’s Commercial Drivers

  • 34% were overweight, and 37% fell into the category of obese.
  • 41% of drivers diagnosed with hypertension were not on treatment.
  • 10% had elevated cholesterol, increasing cardiovascular risk.
  • 7.3% showed signs of high blood sugar, with many unaware they had Type 2 diabetes.

“These are not just medical statistics,” explains Dr. Sanders. “They translate directly into road safety risk.”

The Hidden Dangers of Uncontrolled Chronic Illness

Untreated chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes have a direct impact on driving safety. High blood pressure, known as the silent killer, may seem benign until it causes a heart attack or stroke behind the wheel. Over time, it also impairs cognitive function, decision-making, and concentration, all of which are essential for safe driving.

In drivers with uncontrolled diabetes, especially those on insulin or oral medication, hypoglycaemic episodes can occur suddenly. These include symptoms like confusion, drowsiness, seizures, and even loss of consciousness, all while operating heavy vehicles.

High blood sugar, on the other hand, causes fatigue, blurred vision, frequent urination, and poor concentration. “It makes drivers feel pretty rubbish,” says Dr. Sanders plainly, “and it affects everything from attitude on the road to reaction time in a crisis.”

Compliance Gaps: The PrDP Challenge

Beyond health, compliance with the Professional Driver’s Permit (PrDP) requirement is a growing issue. Dr. Sanders’ team found that 1 in 3 drivers assessed were not compliant with PrDP regulations. Most drivers cited access barriers, difficulty finding time for medical appointments or logistical challenges in securing required documentation.

This gap exposes companies to serious legal liability. If a non-compliant driver is involved in an accident, the employer is at risk of fines, insurance claims, reputational damage, and asset loss.

Guud Drivers: A Scalable Solution for a Complex Problem

This is where the Guud Drivers solution brings transformative value. Unlike the basic tick-box approach of traditional PrDP medicals, Guud Drivers offers a comprehensive health assessment using technology, including:

  • Full medical history
  • Lifestyle and social risk factor analysis
  • On-site vitals, blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose checks
  • Real-time electronic health records
  • Telemedicine support with doctors on standby
  • Actionable fleet health reports for employers

“We meet the drivers where they are, on the job,” says Dr. Sanders. “We intervene early, educate, and empower them to take control of their health. And in doing so, we prevent future crises.”

This holistic, preventative approach ensures continuity of care for drivers and provides companies with transparent data to understand and manage their fleet’s health and compliance risks.

Final Word

As Dr. Sanders puts it, “A driver who is sick, stressed, and unsupported is a risk to themselves, to the public, and to the company. But a driver who is seen, assessed, and supported becomes an asset.”

The insights shared by Dr. Sanders point to a deeper truth. Driver health is not separate from road safety, efficiency or compliance. It is central to all of them. In a high-risk industry where the margin for error is small, caring for the well-being of commercial drivers is not just ethical. It is essential to do business responsibly and build a stronger, more resilient transport sector.

Driving Wellness, Driving Safety: The Return of the RAF Driver Wellness Programme

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Road safety is more than just a matter of rules and regulations—it’s about people, their wellbeing, and the choices we make to ensure every journey ends safely. This understanding lies at the heart of the RAF Driver Wellness Programme, which returns in 2025 with renewed commitment and expanded impact.

A Strategic Investment in Safer Roads

Funded by the Road Accident Fund (RAF) and implemented by The Health Foundation (THF) and Guud Drivers, this initiative is set to run for the next 12 months, bringing comprehensive mobile health services directly to commercial drivers across South Africa. At its core, the programme is designed to prevent road accidents before they happen—by addressing driver health issues that compromise safety on our roads.

The link between driver wellness and accident prevention is clear. When drivers neglect their health, conditions such as vision impairments, hypertension, obesity, and fatigue can significantly affect their ability to react swiftly and remain alert behind the wheel. Poor driver health doesn’t just impact individuals—it leads to increased road accidents, which in turn drive up RAF claim volumes and place financial strain on the system. Investing in proactive healthcare solutions for drivers is a powerful way to curb accidents, save lives, and reduce the number of claims RAF must process.

Health on Wheels: How the Programme Works

The Mobile Assessment Centres (MACs) offer a turnkey solution, equipped to provide:
✔ Comprehensive medical assessments – including optometry screenings to detect vision issues that could hinder safe driving.
✔ Telemedicine consultations – offering direct access to doctors who can issue National Medical Certificates (NMCs) for Professional Driving Permit (PrDP) renewals.
✔ On-site optometry services – enabling drivers to receive prescription spectacles and optometry certificates to streamline PrDP applications.
✔ Road safety education & wellness advocacy – helping drivers understand how their health choices affect their ability to drive safely.
✔ RAF claim support stations – ensuring administrative assistance is readily available to the public.

With three fully operational mobile units, the programme is expanding its reach across all provinces, ensuring that more drivers receive the support they need while making South Africa’s roads safer for everyone.

Measurable Impact Since Inception

Since launching in 2022, the RAF Driver Wellness Programme has achieved significant milestones:
📍 Over 16,000 drivers assessed
📍 More than 3,000 spectacles issued
📍 88% of PrDP applicants successfully obtained their required documentation
📍 Health data revealed high rates of hypertension and obesity—both major risk factors in driving-related incidents
📍 Common vision impairments identified—hypermetropia (farsightedness) and astigmatism—that can severely affect driving performance

These findings reinforce RAF’s role in proactively reducing accident risks, instead of simply responding to them through claims processing. With continued investment, we are shaping a future where wellness and safety go hand in hand.

RAF: Investing in Safer Roads for All

As highlighted at TT25’s Annual Transforming Transportation Conference, the importance of cross-sector collaboration in tackling road safety challenges cannot be overstated. RAF’s commitment to driver wellness as a preventative strategy stands as a model for impactful, evidence-based solutions. The RAF Driver Wellness Programme is not a cost—it’s an investment in human lives, business efficiency, and the future of transport in South Africa. With the next rollout beginning in May 2025, we look forward to seeing more drivers empowered, more accidents prevented, and fewer claims needing resolution. Because at the end of the day, a healthy driver is a safer driver—and safer roads benefit us all

Strengthening Our Commitment to Road Safety: Guud Drivers at the 2025 Truck Driver Safety & Wellness Symposium

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Guud Drivers is proud to sponsor the Second Annual Truck Driver Safety & Wellness Symposium, taking place on May 8–9, 2025, at the Birchwood Hotel in Johannesburg. Hosted by the SaferStops Association and supported by the Department of Transport, this event builds on last year’s success to deliver even greater value to South Africa’s commercial drivers.  

As part of our mission to support driver health and road safety, Guud Drivers will operate three fully equipped Mobile Assessment Centres (MACs) at the event. These units will provide on-site health and optometry assessments, prescription glasses (at no cost), and essential PrDP renewal documents such as National Medical and Optometry Certificates—all in one convenient stop.  

Last year’s symposium revealed the significant impact of accessible driver healthcare. A total of 130 drivers were assessed, with 62.3% requiring spectacles—61 of whom received them immediately. This also highlighted concerning health trends, such as high BMI levels, underscoring the urgent need for ongoing wellness support in the transport sector.  

One truck driver shared, “Regular check-ups like these help us know if our eyesight is good, which is crucial for safe driving. I am thankful for their help and believe it is important to have these services available in different towns.”  

With human factors contributing to over 80% of road accidents in South Africa—and 62% of those involving trucks—investing in driver wellness is essential. Fatigue, stress, and poor health remain major risks, making initiatives like this symposium critical for safer roads.  

By supporting this initiative, Guud Drivers is helping to raise industry standards and create a culture of care and accountability in commercial transport. We look forward to engaging with drivers and continuing to drive meaningful change.

Join us at the 2025 Truck Driver Safety & Wellness Symposium—where health meets the highway, and every check-up keeps South Africa moving safely.

Guud Partners with the Truck Safety & Wellness Symposium to Enhance Driver Health and Wellness.

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In a groundbreaking move aimed at prioritizing the health and well-being of truck drivers, Guud is proud to announce its sponsorship of the upcoming annual Truck Safety & Wellness Symposium, hosted by The Department of Transport in collaboration with the SaferStops Association. As a sponsor of this significant event, Guud is committed to revolutionizing the landscape of driver health and safety.

Central to our sponsorship is the provision of three cutting-edge Shayela Mobile Assessment Centers (MACs), strategically positioned to conduct 180 comprehensive health assessments. These assessments encompass a range of vital services tailored to optimize driver well-being.

The holistic approach taken by Guud includes full optometry tests, ensuring that drivers’ vision is finely tuned for the demands of the road. Additionally, a comprehensive personal health check will be administered, addressing key health markers to empower drivers with the knowledge needed to make informed lifestyle choices.

Furthermore, recognizing the administrative burdens often faced by drivers, Guud is committed to streamlining the process of PrDP (Professional Driving Permit) license application and renewal. Through our sponsorship, drivers will receive the necessary auditable PrDP documents upon leaving the MAC, simplifying and expediting their annual renewal process.

“We are thrilled to be at the forefront of promoting truck driver health and wellness,” says, Mari de Villiers, Head of Marketing and Communications at Guud. “Our sponsorship of the Truck Safety & Wellness Symposium underscores our unwavering dedication to supporting the backbone of our transportation industry. By providing comprehensive health assessments and easing administrative burdens, we aim to ensure that drivers can continue to perform at their peak while prioritizing their own well-being.”

Guud invites all attendees of the Truck Safety & Wellness Symposium to visit our Shayela Mobile Assessment Centers and experience firsthand the transformative impact of our health and wellness initiatives.

Together, let us drive towards a safer, healthier future for all drivers.

Back On The Road With Discovery’s Safe Journeys To School Programme

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In the final quarter of 2023, Guud worked with the Discovery Safe Journeys To School (DSJTS) programme to provide scholar drivers with a full health assessment and a comprehensive eye test as part of our joint commitment to enable these scholar transporters the chance to assess their health as drivers.

Transforming Driver Health

We witnessed remarkable transformations in driver health, from improved vision to the adoption of proactive healthcare measures. The distribution of spectacles proved transformative, with drivers recognizing the paramount importance of eye health. This sparked inquiries and created awareness within the community.

Addressing Primary Healthcare Challenges

In the domain of primary healthcare, our program tackled challenges such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity. A pivotal moment occurred when a driver was deemed ineligible to apply for a PrDP, prompting a proactive referral that potentially averted a future heart attack or stroke. This incident emphasizes the programme’s commitment to a comprehensive approach to driver health and wellness.

Impact Beyond Roads and Spectacles

The impact of our initiative goes beyond individual health, reaching into the lives of families. A heartwarming encounter with a grateful driver highlighted the programme’s role in alleviating economic burdens. When faced with the dilemma of broken spectacles versus providing food for her family, the initiative became a beacon of hope. The genuine gratitude expressed reflects the program’s tangible and far-reaching effects on the communities it serves.

These impactful stories stand as testaments to the Discovery Safe Journeys To School Programme, (implemented by Afrika Tikkun) and their steadfast commitment to holistic driver well-being. Beyond issuing spectacles, distributing medical prescriptions as well as Optometry and National Medical Certificates (both required for the application and/or renewal of a driver’s PrDP), the Shayela Programme is sparking conversations and catalyzing positive change, fostering a culture of well-being that extends beyond the roads.

MAC’s on the Road: Catalyzing Positive Change

Our MAC’s (Mobile Assessment Centres) are on the road again, driven by the inspiring impact stories that fuel our team’s dedication to steering the vision of change in 2024 and building upon the successes witnessed in 2023.

In line with Afrika Tikkun’s commitment to the Discovery Safe Journeys to School, their efforts align seamlessly with the Western Cape’s Government operation to ensure compliance with transport regulations. As schools reopened in January 2024, various scholar transport enforcement operations took place in the province. Western Cape Provincial Traffic Officers, alongside the Provincial Regulatory Entity (PRE) and the City of Cape Town, diligently checked operating licenses, vehicles, and driver fitness. Read the full article here.

Shattering Boundaries: Chinyere Smith’s Empowering Story

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As Women’s Month draws to a close, we reflect on the incredible stories of strength, resilience, and determination that have graced our lives. Among these stories, one empowering story stands out- the remarkable journey of Chinyere Smith, affectionately known as Chi-Chi.

Chinyere grew up in the vibrant township of Gugulethu, where life tested her with both love and loss. After her mother’s untimely passing, she leaned on her father and a network of aunts for support. The challenges she faced during her upbringing only fortified her resolve.

The Academic Struggle

In 2018, Chinyere graduated from high school with dreams of higher education. She enrolled at the University of the Free State to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Sciences and Psychology. However, the weight of academic pressure proved formidable, causing her to temporarily step away from her studies in 2020. Her attempts to return in 2021 were met with various hurdles, plunging her into the depths of depression.

Empowering Hope: Chinyere Smith’s Glimmer of Opportunity

Amid the darkest moments of her life, when she was unemployed and not engaged in any educational or training programs, a glimmer of hope emerged. Chinyere discovered the opportunity to become a female delivery motorcyclist through the Your Bike Club programme, which is sponsored by the USAID and Commercial Transportation Academy.

Chinyere exhibited remarkable courage when she decided to apply for this life-changing learnership program sponsored by USAID and CTA. Her journey began with a call for interviews and culminated in her selection for the learnership.

From Psychology to Motorcycle Mastery: Transformation

Transitioning from the world of psychology to the roaring engines of motorcycles presented no small challenge. Even on a scooter, she initially grappled with balance issues. However, with unwavering determination, she eventually switched to a manual motorbike and unearthed a sense of liberation she had never known before. The motorcycle became her sanctuary, a place where she felt truly at home.

The Empowering Learnership Program

This learnership program, marked by an 80% female and 20% male composition, aims to empower participants on multiple fronts. It begins by assisting them in acquiring a learner’s license and then guides them through the intricate art of motorcycle riding. Simultaneously, they receive invaluable soft skills training, encompassing everything from job readiness to customer service and mental health education.

Empowering the Mind and Beyond

Chinyere’s personal experience underscored the importance of mental health support within these programs, as she grappled with depression during her initial integration. This journey acted as a catalyst, prompting the learnership providers to incorporate mental health education into their curriculum.

Endless Opportunities

Upon completing the program, these determined individuals open the door to a world of career opportunities. From last-mile delivery to serving as couriers for various industries, a multitude of paths await them. Remarkably, many women leverage this learnership to either empower their own businesses or embark on entrepreneurial journeys.

The Power of Sisterhood

The female participants have forged a unique sisterhood, characterized by unwavering support and camaraderie. They cheer each other on, exemplifying the resilience and strength that arise when women unite in pursuit of common goals.

Chinyere’s Aspirations

Looking ahead, Chinyere aspires to become a professional motorcycle trainer, establishing her own business in the process. Her immediate goal, upon graduation, is to immerse herself in the world of last-mile delivery, an industry where she believes her newfound skills will shine.

A Message of Empowerment

As Women’s Month comes to a close, Chinyere Smith’s story resonates deeply. It serves as a powerful reminder of the boundless potential inherent in every woman. Her journey from academic challenges to motorcycle mastery encapsulates the essence of Women’s Month – celebrating the strength, resilience, and indomitable spirit of women everywhere.

Chinyere’s story is not just about her; it’s about every woman who has faced adversity and emerged stronger. It’s about seizing opportunities, prioritizing mental health, and fostering unbreakable bonds of sisterhood. Chi-Chi reminds us that when women join forces to support each other, no obstacle is insurmountable, no dream is out of reach, and no goal is too ambitious.

As we bid farewell to Women’s Month, let us carry Chinyere Smith’s message forward. Let us be inspired to embrace our roots, conquer our challenges, and empower ourselves and those around us.

This article is made possible by the Commercial Transportation Academy (CTA), which is at the forefront of empowering women in the commercial transportation industry through initiatives like Your Bike Club. To discover more, click here. 

If you loved Chinyere’s story you will love this one!

Driving Health and Safety: Navigating the Well-Being of Commercial Drivers for a Safer Tomorrow.

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The Essential Role of Commercial Drivers in Modern Economies

Commercial transportation drivers play a pivotal role in modern economies by ensuring the efficient movement of goods and services across vast distances. Their significance is underscored by the fact that without them, industries would grind to a halt, supply chains would collapse, and essential products would be inaccessible. However, the importance of these drivers is inseparable from their health, which directly impacts their ability to perform their duties safely and effectively.

The Interplay Between Health and Safe Driving Performance

One of the most prevalent health concerns among commercial transportation drivers is hypertension. The nature of their work often involves long hours of sedentary activity, irregular mealtimes, and exposure to high-stress situations. These factors can contribute to hypertension, which in turn increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other health complications. Hypertension not only jeopardizes drivers’ well-being but also puts them at a higher risk of accidents due to its impact on cognitive function and physical capabilities.

Lack of sleep is another critical issue affecting commercial drivers. The demanding schedules, the need to meet tight deadlines, and the extended hours on the road often result in insufficient rest. Sleep deprivation can impair reaction times, decision-making abilities, and concentration, all of which are vital for safe driving. Fatigued drivers are more prone to lapses in attention and increased reaction times, leading to a greater likelihood of accidents.

Maintaining Clear Eyesight for Safer Driving

Poor eyesight is yet another concern that can lead to accidents. Long hours on the road can strain drivers’ eyes, and over time, this strain can contribute to vision problems. Uncorrected vision impairments can lead to difficulties in judging distances, recognizing road signs, and identifying potential hazards. Regular eye examinations and corrective measures are essential to ensuring that drivers can perform their duties safely.

Combatting Driver Fatigue and Its Implications

The demanding nature of commercial driving often results in extended hours behind the wheel, leading to driver fatigue. Fatigue impairs drivers’ cognitive abilities and reaction times, which can result in accidents. The pressure to deliver goods on tight schedules can create a vicious cycle where drivers sacrifice rest to meet deadlines, further compromising their health and safety.

Addressing Mental Health Amidst Industry Pressures

Pressure to deliver on schedule, coupled with the stress of the job, can also have detrimental effects on drivers’ mental health. Chronic stress can lead to a range of issues including anxiety, depression, and even substance abuse. Mental health problems not only impact drivers’ overall well-being but also their ability to focus and make sound decisions while on the road.

Insurers and Employers: Partners in Driver Well-Being

Insurers and employers have a vested interest in the health and well-being of commercial transportation drivers. Accidents involving commercial vehicles can result in substantial financial losses, including damage to vehicles, cargo, infrastructure, and potential legal liabilities. By covering the cost of accidents and providing support for drivers’ health, insurers can help mitigate these risks.

Employers also have a responsibility to prioritize the health of their drivers. Offering comprehensive health benefits, wellness programs, and promoting healthy lifestyle choices can go a long way in ensuring the long-term well-being of their workforce. Companies that invest in the health and safety of their drivers are likely to benefit from improved retention rates, reduced accidents, and better overall operational efficiency.

Enhancing Driver Well-Being through Comprehensive Truck Stops

To further enhance the well-being of commercial drivers, the establishment of truck stops with comprehensive facilities is crucial. These truck stops should provide showers, reasonably priced and nutritious food options, gyms, and recreation facilities. Such amenities would allow drivers to maintain their hygiene, access balanced meals, engage in physical activity, and unwind, thus addressing many of the health challenges they face.

Truck stops that offer these facilities can have a profound positive impact on drivers’ health. Access to showers allows drivers to maintain personal hygiene, reducing the risk of skin infections and promoting their overall well-being. Offering reasonably priced and nutritious food options ensures that drivers can make healthier dietary choices, combating issues like hypertension and obesity. On-site gyms and recreation facilities provide opportunities for physical exercise, helping drivers combat the sedentary nature of their work and promoting cardiovascular health.

Safety: A Cornerstone of Truck Stop Design and Driver Well-Being

Safety is another crucial factor that cannot be overlooked. These truck stops should be designed with safety in mind, providing secure parking areas and well-lit environments. This not only prevents accidents and theft but also contributes to the mental well-being of drivers, allowing them to rest without constant worries about their safety.

Safeguarding the Future: Prioritizing Driver Health for Industry Success

In conclusion, commercial transportation drivers are the backbone of modern economies, ensuring the smooth movement of goods and services. However, their health is paramount to their ability to perform their duties safely and efficiently. Addressing health concerns such as hypertension, sleep deprivation, poor eyesight, and stress is vital to reducing accidents and maintaining the viability of the industry. The support of insurers and employers, coupled with the establishment of truck stops with comprehensive facilities, can contribute to improved driver well-being, reduced accidents, and enhanced industry performance. By recognizing the importance of driver health and investing in their well-being, society can ensure the continued success of the commercial transportation sector.

Female Truck Driver Embraces the Open Road!

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In the bustling world of trucking, where long stretches of highways crisscross the country, an inspiring tale of courage and determination shines through. Meet Nomzamo, a 28-year-old female truck driver with an unyielding spirit and a passion for adventure. Life’s challenges have not stopped her from living her dream, embracing the open road.

Her Journey Begins: Overcoming Adversity and Finding Purpose

Nomzamo’s journey began in Pretoria, where she pursued her dreams of studying Geology. However, life took an unexpected turn when her mother passed away during her final year. Which left her in deep grief and unable to complete her studies. After spending a year at home, she found work in the insurance industry and simultaneously pursued a BCom in financial management. During a work trip, she encountered a woman in her mid-forties driving a truck; this encounter piqued her curiosity about the trucking industry.

Discovering Her True Calling

Fuelled by curiosity, Nomzamo sought to explore the world of trucking, which would change her life forever. She decided to enrol in the Commercial Trucking Academy (CTA), where she discovered a path that would lead her to become a skilled and accomplished truck driver. CTA’s comprehensive driver training program equipped her with the necessary skills and knowledge to embark on a successful journey in the transport industry.

Life As A Female Truck Driver: Challenges & Triumphs

As a female truck driver in a predominantly male-dominated industry, Nomzamo finds herself as an inspiring anomaly. Despite facing challenges like inadequate bathrooms and poor-quality food at truck stops, she remains undeterred, appreciating the comfort of her truck’s bed and the safety measures provided by her company.

What She Loves About Being a Truck Driver: Embracing the Adventure

Nomzamo’s journey has led her to find unexpected fulfilment in the trucking industry. The immense sense of responsibility that comes with controlling a massive truck and traversing the country’s diverse landscapes fills her heart with joy. The hum of the trucks and the camaraderie among drivers add to her love for the profession, making each day on the road a thrilling adventure.

Breaking Stereotypes: Empowering Women in Trucking

Nomzamo stands as a beacon of strength and determination, determined to dispel stereotypes that suggest women can’t handle truck driving. Her remarkable driving skills have earned her respect among her male counterparts, who are often impressed by her prowess behind the wheel. She serves as living proof that passion and technology can keep women connected to their loved ones while embracing the life of a truck driver.

Prioritizing Safety: A Female Truck Driver’s Top Priority

Safety remains paramount in the trucking profession, and Nomzamo takes it seriously. Constant communication with her controller, carrying a tracking device, and diligently keeping her truck doors locked are just a few of the measures she takes to ensure her safety on the road. She is cautious when dealing with strangers, never stopping for pedestrians or unmarked vehicles asking for help.

Advice for Young Drivers: Navigating the Road to Success

Drawing from her own experiences, Nomzamo offers valuable advice to other young drivers, especially women. She emphasizes that one need not compromise femininity to excel in this industry, highlighting that it only requires driving skills and a calm demeanour when facing challenges. Nomzamo encourages embracing calculated risks, being mindful of fatigue, and finding contentment in the solitary nature of trucking.

The Traits of a Good Driver: Patience and Consideration

Nomzamo sees patience and consideration as essential qualities for a good truck driver. She understands the shared responsibility of road safety and makes a conscious effort to be considerate. This not only fosters a harmonious driving environment but also ensures a safer and more secure journey for everyone. Patience and consideration go hand in hand, and Nomzamo exemplifies how these attributes can positively impact the trucking experience.

Industry Improvements: Paving the Way for a Better Future

Nomzamo envisions a brighter future for the trucking industry, advocating for improved road quality and lighting in certain areas. She emphasizes the need for better facilities at truck stops, including adequate bathrooms and kitchens, to enhance drivers’ well-being. Access to health clinics in remote areas would also be instrumental, ensuring drivers receive prompt medical attention when required.

Nomzamo’s journey as a young female truck driver stands as a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and a passion for exploration. Her story challenges stereotypes and inspires others to pursue their dreams with unwavering dedication. As she continues her adventures on the open road, we stand in awe of her courage and commitment. Nomzamo shows us that the road to success is best travelled with determination and a sense of adventure.

Ready to embrace the open road like Nomzamo? If you’re an aspiring woman with a passion for adventure, we want to see more of you in the trucking industry! Explore the possibilities and discover the path to a rewarding career behind the wheel at the CTA’s website. Join us as we break stereotypes and empower women in trucking!

Enhancing Driver Well-being

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In the pursuit of safer roads and enhancing driver well-being, a ground breaking solution has emerged, the Guud Driver Wellness Programme. This comprehensive driver-focused initiative utilizes a combination of mobility and technology to offer commercial drivers quick health assessments, optometry checkups, and compliance verifications through innovative Mobile Assessment Centers (MACs).

Enhancing Efficiency and Accuracy: Optometry Assessment

At the heart of the MAC is an advanced technology that revolutionizes the optometry assessment process. This innovative solution ensures accurate results and reduces the margin for error in evaluating a driver’s vision.

One of the key advantages of this technology is its streamlined approach, enabling efficient and accurate evaluations. By capturing all necessary refractive data, the assessments ensure that drivers receive timely and accurate prescriptions, leading to improved vision and safer driving experiences.

Enhancing Driver Well-being: Comprehensive Health Check

Another crucial aspect of the MAC is the comprehensive health check available to drivers. Within the convenience of a mobile environment, drivers can undergo a range of health assessments in just 15 minutes. The comprehensive evaluation offered ensures that commercial drivers meet the necessary health requirements and are fit to operate vehicles safely.

Taking a Proactive Approach: Protecting Driver Health

Ensuring the well-being of commercial drivers goes beyond just compliance and safety measures. It extends to the fundamental aspects of good eyesight and overall health. Recognizing the importance of this, companies should adopt a proactive approach to protecting the health of their staff members.

Maintaining optimal eyesight is crucial for commercial drivers, as it directly impacts their ability to navigate the roads safely. By providing regular optometry checkups and assessments, companies can identify any vision-related issues early on and take appropriate measures to address them. This not only enhances driver safety but also contributes to reducing accidents and associated costs.

Furthermore, prioritizing the overall health of commercial drivers is equally important. Healthy drivers are more likely to be alert, focused, and capable of making split-second decisions on the road. Regular health assessments, including checks for blood pressure, heart rate, and BMI, can identify potential health risks and enable timely interventions. Companies can mitigate the risks associated with health-related incidents, by taking proactive steps to ensure their drivers’ well-being.

Paving The Way for Driver Well-being

The MAC stands at the forefront of driver-focused solutions. Utilizing innovative approaches to promote health, safety, and compliance among commercial drivers, it brings quick and accurate assessments conveniently to drivers. This program showcases the power of mobility and technology for safer driver well-being.

RAF Drivers Wellness Programme

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Summary

Forced to spend the majority of their lives on the roads, many truck, bus and taxi drivers do not have the time or money to undergo basic health checks. This not only endangers their lives, but the lives of all those on South Africa’s roads. In an effort to reduce the number of road accidents, the Department of Transport’s Road Accident Fund (RAF), along with partners, The Health Foundation, African Mobility Solutions and Guud, piloted The RAF Driver Wellness Programme – a mobile clinic, bringing free healthcare to drivers, on the job.

The challenge

Siphamandla Gumbi, RAF’s Senior Manager on Road Safety, attributes 20% of all road accidents in the country to  poor vision, lack of concentration, fatigue and dizzy spells. These are often the result of undiagnosed medical conditions, such as epilepsy, diabetes or high blood pressure, conditions that are relatively easy to identify and treat.

The active management of a driver’s chronic condition, or visual impairment, will radically improve their safety on the road, and yet due to access and unforgiving schedules, most of these drivers will not receive the help they need.

The Guud solution

Guud’s mobile solution brought this help to them, on the road. 

Meet Thato, one of the 44 000 truckers in South Africa. He spends an average of 10 months annually on the road. Thato suffered from constant migraines, which kept him overmedicated on painkillers.

In November 2022, Thato was offered a Guud mobility solution with the RAF Driver Wellness Programme. After  a comprehensive optometry and personal health assessment, at one of his truck stops, he was diagnosed with short-sightedness and immediately received glasses, on site. Now Thato’s headaches have been relieved, his driving vision corrected, resulting in a safer road for all.

Together with partners in the industry, Guud co-ordinated the design, manufacture and operation of a mobile health clinic, offering free healthcare services to truck, taxi and bus drivers on the job. With a dispensing nurse and an optometrist on board the mobile clinic can provide:

  • Personal Health Care (PHC) in the form of the monitoring of vitals, and testing for high blood pressure, anaemia and diabetes.
  • Optometry services, through eyesight tests and issuing free prescription glasses on site.

The pilot project was launched by the RAF in the Limpopo province (N1 Polokwane) on the  7 October 2022 and the bus has currently visited the following other provinces: KwaZulu-Natal (N2 Pongola), Northwest (N4 Rustenburg) and Mpumalanga (N4 Nelspruit).

Due to the success of the project more buses will be hitting the roads in 2023.

How does it work?

This mobile clinic bus can go almost anywhere. It has been built on a truck chassis giving it good ground clearance and helping it to reach remote and outlying areas with ease. 

It’s off the grid. All its power needs are met independently from an onboard generator, ensuring it is able to operate during power cuts. It also has a purpose-built water system with 120 litres of fresh water on board.

Always online, the bus features full internet connectivity. Ongoing reporting, feedback and communication is seamless, regardless of location.

The specialised RAF mobile unit is 12m in length, weighs 12 tons, and despite the complexity of its offering, only took three weeks to fit out internally and brand externally.

Guud’s mobility solutions create an extraordinary impact. Using mobility technology and innovation, Guud’s mobile solutions are positioned to creatively overcome many problems in service delivery.

For more information on our services, get in touch with us.