Road Accident Fund’s Report Uncovers Shocking Health Crisis Among Truck Drivers

You might think the biggest threat to your truck is a pothole or a taxi cutting you off — but what if the real danger is you, the trucker behind the wheel?

That’s the hard truth laid bare by the Road Accident Fund’s (RAF) Driver Wellness Programme, whose latest report, revealed at the Truck Driver Safety and Wellness Symposium at Birchwood Hotel, drops some stats that are straight-up scary.

It turns out, thousands of truckers are rolling across South African roads with untreated health conditions, expired licenses, and eyesight so bad they shouldn’t be driving, and it’s all contributing to a silent crisis.

Between October 2022 and December 2024, over 5,500 truck drivers underwent full wellness screenings under the RAF’s programme. The findings? Buckle up, it’s a rough ride:

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• 1 in 3 drivers had expired PrDPs. That’s not just admin laziness – it’s a legal and safety red flag.

• 12% were declared medically unfit to drive. Think about that – every 8th driver you pass may not even be cleared to operate that truck.

• 2 in 3 drivers were overweight or obese. And no, it’s not just about looks – obesity brings fatigue, joint pain, and a higher risk of sudden health emergencies.

• 2 in 5 drivers with high blood pressure weren’t on treatment. That’s a heart attack waiting to happen.

• 45% needed spectacles, but only 3% actually had them.

And here’s the cherry on top: the RTMC says crashes cost South Africa over R205 BILLION in 2024. Let that sink in.

Now, before we start pointing fingers, let’s call it what it is – a system failure.

Read | Truck driver found dead in his truck, cause of death revealed

Truckers don’t get time off for medical checkups. They grab what’s quick at the truck stop or garages.

Most don’t have the money or access to regular health care. Even those with medical aid often don’t use it because they’re always on the road.

There’s also a lot of funny business with medical and eye test certificates. You know what we’re talking about – fake clears, rushed checkups, or turning a blind eye to obvious issues, all to keep the wheels rolling and invoices coming in.

But the price? It’s being paid in fatigue-related accidents, avoidable health complications, and drivers collapsing behind the wheel.

And companies? They’re bleeding from downtime, non-compliance penalties, insurance rejections, and rising driver turnover.

The RAF’s message was loud and clear – this is everyone’s problem. Companies need to make wellness checks standard, not optional.

PrDP compliance isn’t a box-tick, it’s a lifeline. Drivers must be encouraged and enabled to get medical help without risking their jobs or their pay.

This isn’t about pointing fingers at truckers or blaming transporters. It’s about facing the facts and fixing what’s broken before more lives are lost.

Because if we don’t take care of the driver, the truck doesn’t move, and the whole industry grinds to a halt.

🛠️ Time to check more than just your tyre pressure, boet. Check your health too.