Idling in neutral
Where December and January offer workers in other industries an opportunity to unwind, owner-drivers and small fleet operators know this is a period which brings into sharp focus why road transport is Australia’s deadliest industry. Surging Christmas demand meets busy roads and highways chock-a-block with holidaymakers keen to escape cities and suburbs for the school holidays.
It’s a dangerous combination, particularly given the unrelenting demands from those at the top of supply chains to keep goods moving, no matter the consequences.
And while the pressure is always immense over Christmas and the New Year, drivers this year are battling the compounding effects of the pandemic that have disproportionately smashed our industry.
