Be a Safer Trucker: Timeless Safety Tips from Chris Barry

In 2010, Chris Barry, a true Beqfin Legend and then MD of Heavy Commercial Vehicle Underwriters (HCV), shared invaluable safety tips for truck drivers in an article originally featured in the George Herald. Fast forward 14 years, and these tips remain as essential today as they were then.

Chris Barry, who passed away in 2024, was a man of integrity and strong values. His vision in 1994, the same year that marked the founding of iconic South African companies like MTN, Vodacom, Multichoice, and South African Express Airways, was nothing short of transformative. Over the past 30 years, Chris changed the lives of 165 Beqfin employees and thousands of truck drivers across South Africa. He built Beqfin’s culture on the pillars of safety, health, and responsibility – values that continue to drive the company today.

At Beqfin, we take health and safety very seriously. It’s ingrained in our DNA, influencing our customers, staff, and suppliers. This is especially clear in today’s reflection on Chris’s timeless safety advice.

With over 9.5 million vehicles on South African roads and more than 80% of fatal accidents caused by driver error, following these key guidelines can significantly reduce risks for truckers:

  • Truckers’ Health: Ensure drivers are well-rested and maintain healthy eating habits.
  • Truck Maintenance: Regularly check fluids, brakes, tyres, and other key components.
  • Load Safety: Avoid overloading, which can be dangerous and complicate insurance claims.
  • Driver Awareness: Stay vigilant, especially around aggressive drivers.
  • Basic Safety: Always wear a seatbelt, regardless of how secure the cab may seem.
  • Weather Preparedness: Equip drivers with appropriate clothing for changing weather.
  • Road Responsibility: Report dangerous conditions and reckless drivers to help others.
  • Construction Zones: Slow down and drive carefully through roadwork areas.
  • Blind Spot Awareness: Adjust mirrors and check blind spots before turning.
  • Safe Distances: Maintain enough space between vehicles for safe stopping.
These tips, originally shared in 2010, are not just advice – they are a legacy. They continue to serve as critical reminders to help keep our truckers, loads, and roads safe. Chris Barry’s commitment to safety lives on, and at Beqfin, we remain dedicated to upholding these values for the future.

Want to get in touch? Give us a call at +27 11 872 1000 or send an email to sales@beqfin.co.za