D4Drivers’ is the largest provider of driver medicals in the UK and an associate member of the RHA. Their mission is to improve health, well-being and modernise the approach to driver health across the road transport industry. We speak to Robbie Kneale, their Marketing Manager, for National Lorry Week.

Why are you getting involved in National Lorry Week?

National Lorry Week celebrates all the amazing work of the individuals who work in the haulage sector and keep our country moving. We’re joining in this year’s National Lorry Week as we want to help businesses look after their drivers and show them how valued they are.

Almost everything we see in supermarkets and shops or receive via online delivery has been delivered by road transport, and that seems like a great reason to celebrate. The people that make up this fantastic industry should enjoy a week of well-deserved praise and recognition.

What do you find exciting about road transport?

The road transport industry is exciting because there is so much change and challenge to contend with, it never gets boring. There is so much on the horizon which is both exciting and challenging. From new vehicles and fuels, automation and driver health, to changes following Brexit and so much more, regardless of whether you are positive or negative about the events themselves, it’s certainly always interesting.

Are there any misconceptions about road transport that you’d like to put right?

We find that people believe once they have a health condition, their driving career is over, but most of the time that’s simply not the case. We are losing too many fantastic people from the industry because of this misconception; many people have long and successful careers after diagnosis or event, whether that be a heart attack, a diabetes diagnosis, or after recovering from cancer.

Are there any issues that we need to raise more awareness about?

I’d like to see companies working towards removing the stigma associated with both health and mental health in the haulage sector. I look forward to a day where health becomes interlinked with haulage and is not something to fear every five years. With the introduction of healthier food and gyms in truck stops throughout the UK, I’m excited to see a new, healthier direction and what’s to come.

The technology involved is developing at an exponential rate, but the one variable that never changes is that everything is controlled by the driver, and their health is crucial. More awareness needs to be put into looking after the driver.

To find out more, please visit: www.d4drivers.uk