Collaborating to combat collisions

Internationally, crashes and collisions are the leading cause of workplace deaths. Approximately 40% of these deaths are as a result of motor vehicle accidents. Crashes are also in the top five causes of workplace injuries. But there are those doing their part to combat this curse … and they deserve full credit.

I wish I was shocked more by the following paragraph, which I read on hippo.co.za: “South Africa has about 750 000 km of road, making it – according to the Road Traffic Management Corporation – about the 10^th largest road network in the world. It’s also – according to the international drivers’ education company Zutobi – the most dangerous road network in the world, ranking stone last on a list of 56 countries.” But sadly, we have become accustomed to road accidents, like so many other unacceptable things in our country.

It doesn’t help to merely complain, however. Action is needed. “It is for this reason that MasterDrive presents its inaugural Fleet Safety Awards, which will recognise and honour companies that have made this commitment to road safety,” says MasterDrive CEO, Eugene Herbert. “Through the awards, we hope to pay homage to companies that take the issue of road safety as seriously as we do by making road safety a part of their company ethos. This starts at the top of the organisation and trickles its way down to every member that gets behind the wheel.”

The event will feature international speakers who will share their experiences in the road safety arena, along with a number of other speakers. The winner will be selected by an independent panel of judges based on specific criteria.

There are two categories that will be commended: the winner of the Fleet Manager Safety Award will receive R10 000 in cash, while the runners-up will receive R5 000 and R2 500 respectively, as well as other significant prizes. The winner of the Best Company Fleet Safety Award will receive a floating trophy and recognition as a leader of South African road safety. They will be featured on the MasterDrive website, in publications, and in press releases, and will also be recognised at the next Virtual Colloquium event.

SHEQ MANAGEMENT is an official media partner of the event, so those being honoured will also be featured in upcoming editions. Nominations for this year’s awards have sadly already closed, but I am very much looking forward to the event, which takes place in mid-May.

“MasterDrive believes that lauding the companies giving road safety the attention it needs will encourage others to follow their example. We spend much time raising awareness of road safety and the common issues that affect this. It is now time to show appreciation for the organisations that take these issues seriously,” says Herbert.

Watch this space, we’ll keep you posted.