IRU has called on the United Nations to establish global standards for professional drivers, warning that inconsistent qualifications are undermining road safety and efficiency worldwide.
Speaking at the United Nations Global Forum on Road Traffic Safety last week, IRU Global Advocacy Policy Adviser Clara Sánchez López underscored the need to professionalise commercial drivers and harmonise standards to improve road safety.
Heavy-duty vehicles are involved in a relatively small share of road accidents, the majority of which (85%) are caused by human error. Of these, three-quarters are caused by other road users. Driver certification, education and awareness – for both heavy-duty vehicle drivers and other drivers – are crucial to address the human factor.
Professional drivers
The standardisation of driving permits must be accompanied by a harmonisation of professional qualifications to advance road safety. Professionalisation is at the heart of the solution for drivers. (....)