Road safety and logistics transportation
Logistics transportation is an essential sector for the global economy. It allows the movement of people and goods, which contributes to economic growth, job creation, and social welfare. However, logistics transportation is also one of the main causes of traffic accidents.
Road accidents leave 1.3 million people dead and another 50 million seriously injured in the world each year. These figures pose an urgent problem that led the United Nations General Assembly to organize a high-level meeting to find solutions.
In Latin America, traffic accidents are the leading cause of death among young people aged 15 to 29. In 2021, a total of 274,920 traffic accidents were recorded in the countries that make up the Andean Community: Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru, which represented an increase of 23.6% compared to the previous year.
Recognitions for exemplary practices in road safety by Solistica
Within the context of road safety in logistics transportation, it is important to highlight the recognitions that Solistica has received for its exemplary practices in this matter. In 2023, the company was honored with the highest Gold Seal of “Good Business Practices in Road Safety” by the District Mobility Secretariat of Bogotá. This recognition highlights Solistica’s commitment to road safety and its positive impact on reducing traffic accidents in the Colombian capital.
In addition, Solistica celebrated its 18th anniversary of participation in the National Road Safety Award of the National Private Transport Association, ANTP. On this occasion, more than 130 collaborators were recognized for obtaining the first places in the evaluation, while some team members were named members of the hall of fame for maintaining an accident-free record for three consecutive years. These achievements reflect Solistica’s unwavering commitment to road safety and its leadership in promoting safe practices in the logistics industry of Latin America.
Sharing the road
In the context of the importance of road safety in logistics transportation, it is important to highlight Solistica’s initiative to promote road safety among cyclists. The company carried out training for its primary distribution operators, in conjunction with the SEMOVI, with the aim of improving awareness about road safety, preventing traffic incidents, and fostering safe coexistence to save lives.
The training included topics such as traffic rules applicable to cyclists, how to identify and avoid potential risks on the streets, and how to drive safely in the presence of cyclists. Juan Manuel Villalba, a Solistica operator with 21 years of experience, commented that the training made him more aware of coexistence with cyclists and how to travel on the streets more safely.
This training is an example of how companies can contribute to road safety in large cities. By providing training to their drivers on how to share the streets safely with other users, companies can help reduce the risk of accidents and save lives.
The importance of road safety for the community
Road safety is not only important for drivers and companies, but also for the community at large. Traffic accidents can have a devastating impact on people’s lives, leaving their families and friends grieving and affecting the country’s economy.
Therefore, it is important that all citizens get involved in promoting road safety. We can do this by respecting traffic rules, driving responsibly, and educating others about the importance of road safety.
Factors influencing road safety in logistics transportation
There are a number of factors that influence road safety in logistics transportation, including:
- Human behavior: The human factor is the main cause of traffic accidents. Drivers must be trained in safe driving techniques and must respect traffic rules.
- The condition of the vehicles: Vehicles must be in good mechanical condition and must be properly maintained.
- Road infrastructure: The road infrastructure must be safe and suitable for traffic.
- Weather conditions: Adverse weather conditions can increase the risk of accidents.
Measures to promote road safety in logistics transportation
Logistics transportation companies can adopt a series of measures to promote road safety, including:
- Driver training: Companies should provide ongoing road safety training to their drivers. The training should include defensive driving techniques, handling emergency situations, and respect for traffic rules.
- Preventive maintenance of vehicles: Companies should carry out periodic inspections and preventive maintenance on their vehicles. Preventive maintenance helps to ensure that vehicles are in good mechanical condition and reduces the risk of technical failures.
- Technological innovation: Companies can incorporate driving assistance systems, such as backup cameras, proximity sensors, and driver fatigue monitoring systems. These systems can help drivers drive more safely.
- Road safety culture: Companies should promote a road safety culture in their organization. This involves creating a work environment where safety is a priority and where workers feel responsible for their own safety and that of others.
Everyone's commitment
Road safety in logistics transportation is a commitment of all. Governments, companies, and citizens must work together to reduce the risk of accidents and create a safer environment for everyone.
Finally, road safety is an essential element for logistics transportation. The adoption of safe practices in transportation operations reduces the risk of accidents and injuries, which helps to protect the lives of workers, goods, and the general community.
Logistics transportation companies can adopt a series of measures to promote road safety, including driver training, preventive maintenance of vehicles, technological innovation, and the promotion of a road safety culture.
The government can also play an important role in promoting road safety in logistics transportation. It can establish rules and regulations that require companies to adopt safe practices, as well as provide financial and technical support to companies to implement these measures.
Citizens can also contribute to road safety in logistics transportation by respecting traffic rules, driving responsibly, and educating others about the importance of road safety.
Recommendations
- Logistics transportation companies should establish a firm commitment to road safety. This commitment should be expressed through clear and concise policies and procedures, as well as an adequate investment in safety measures.
- Companies should train their drivers in safe driving techniques. This training should be ongoing and should include topics such as defensive driving, handling emergency situations, and respect for traffic rules.
- Companies should carry out periodic inspections and preventive maintenance on their vehicles. This will help ensure that the vehicles are in good mechanical condition and reduce the risk of technical failures.
- Companies should incorporate driving assistance systems. These systems can help drivers drive more safely.
- Companies should promote a road safety culture in their organization. This involves creating a work environment where safety is a priority and where workers feel responsible for their own safety and that of others.
In a world where road safety is crucial, freight transportation plays a vital role. Traffic accidents are a serious concern, and this is where Solistica stands out with its focus on road safety. Our awards not only show our commitment to excellence, but also to the safety of our community and team. By training, innovating and promoting a culture of road safety, we are building a safer future for everyone. At Solistica, we are committed to leading this change towards safer roads, working together for a better tomorrow.
