The Legacy of Chris Barry: Revisiting Driver Safety and Responsibility

Accidents on the road happen in a split second, but the ripple effects can last a lifetime. Despite our best intentions, the everyday grind and familiarity with driving – especially for truck drivers who spend hours on end behind the wheel – can cause caution to wane.

Chris Barry’s message, penned 14 years ago, remains as relevant now as it was then: road safety is a responsibility we all share.

Originally penned by Chris Barry in 2011 for FAnews, this timeless advice on preventing driver negligence continues to resonate today. While Chris is no longer with us, his legacy lives on through the values and insights he shared. We aim to honour his memory by revisiting and expanding on his impactful words.

The Numbers Don’t Lie

According to research cited in Chris’ original article, 65% of company vehicles are involved in accidents annually. This isn’t just a statistic – it’s a wake-up call. Each accident brings significant financial and emotional costs: towing services, medical expenses, lost productivity, and insurance claims.

It’s not just about having insurance (though that’s crucial); it’s about taking proactive steps to avoid accidents altogether. Prevention is always better than cure, and by adopting safe driving behaviours, we can reduce these numbers drastically.

Safety Starts with Preparation

Chris championed safety as the foundation of good driving. His checklist for truckers is still a gold standard for accident prevention:

• Conduct a daily pre-trip inspection of your vehicle.

• Stabilise your load to avoid dangerous shifting.

• Ensure your truck isn’t overloaded.

• Test your brakes and check for punctures or air leaks in your tyres.

• Keep a spare wheel intact and ready for emergencies.

• Stick to roads suitable for your vehicle’s category.

• Be extra cautious in bad weather, particularly after heavy rain.

• Never exceed permissible load weights under road traffic laws.

Combating Negligence

Negligence often stems from complacency or a lack of support. Chris understood this and urged companies to ensure their drivers are set up for success:

• Assign realistic deadlines to avoid pressure-induced speeding.

• Regularly service all vehicles to maintain roadworthiness.

• Hire expert drivers with professional driving permits.

• Emphasize care in navigating difficult roads and conditions.

• Adhere to speed limits and use appropriate gears for specific speeds.

• Avoid unnecessary vehicle idling to save fuel and reduce emissions.

Attitude is Everything

Chris also believed that a driver’s mindset plays a critical role in road safety. Anger and recklessness can lead to dangerous outcomes. Instead, truck drivers should:

• Steer clear of road rage.

• Stay focused and avoid distractions.

• Cultivate patience and a calm attitude, no matter the road conditions.

Small Changes, Big Impact

Chris was an advocate for small but effective changes to improve road safety. These include:

• Investing in driver training programmes. Beqfin offers training programmes. For more information on our training programmes, call 011 872 1000.

• Verifying drivers’ licenses and qualifications.

• Installing driving monitoring devices in vehicles to track performance and habits.

• Rewarding safe driving through incentive programs.

Honouring Chris Barry’s Legacy

By resharing his wisdom and adding to it, we at Beqfin hope to continue the legacy Chris built – a legacy rooted in respect, responsibility, and the belief that every accident prevented is a life potentially saved.

Let’s drive safe, for Chris, and for everyone who shares the road.

You can read the original article here: https://www.fanews.co.za/article/short-term-insurance/15/motor/1023/driver-negligence-not-worth-it/10576