Project involved RoadSafetyUAE and three major UAE fleet operators
UAE truck drivers have revealed the personal impact of the challenges they face carrying out their work, with 57 per cent of drivers claiming to always or sometimes experience stress during their work according to a new study, and the majority finding that the stress of the job carries over into their personal lives.
The first-of-its kind study, which was carried out by Continental, the premium German tyre company, sheds light on the often-overlooked personal experiences of some of the thousands of drivers who ply their trade on the Emirates’ roads every day.
The stresses of the job affected the majority of those surveyed, with 29 per cent finding it impacted negatively on their personal life. 24 per cent claimed to find it difficult to switch off after completing their work, with 13 per cent suffering sleep deprivation and 10 per cent finding it made them more impatient, the company revealed in a recent press communiqué.
The project was run in collaboration with three leading UAE fleet operators-Al Ahli General Transport, Masafi Land Transport and Ocean City Transport – who provided important input. Continental also partnered with RoadSafetyUAE, the Emirates’ leading road safety portal.
“In previous workshops with the Abu Dhabi police traffic department, police officers stated that their main concerns with regards to truck accidents are truck driver fatigue and the poor conditions of the truck tyres,” affirmed Thomas Edelmann, founder, RoadSafetyUAE, speaking via a video phone link from Vienna, Austria..
The study, which involved speaking to 54 truck drivers from around the UAE, was conducted by Continental as part of its global Vison Zero safety initiative.
“Our primary objective for this study was to initiate a conversation among fleet operators and the wider public on the challenges truck drivers face,” asserted Karl Kucera, General Manager, Continental Middle East.
