Smarter fleet safety strategies - Tackling driver fatigue, distraction, and transport risk

South Africa’s transport sector continues to operate under intense pressure. Long distances, demanding schedules, unpredictable traffic conditions, and high accident rates all contribute to a challenging operating environment. At the same time, fleets are dealing with rising operating costs, driver shortages, increasing regulatory expectations, and growing customer demand for reliability. In this context, fleet safety has become a defining factor that separates resilient, well-managed operations from those constantly exposed to risk.

“A key part of this shift can be seen at events such as A-OSH EXPO and Securex South Africa, where transport operators increasingly look for solutions that can reduce accidents, improve compliance, and support healthier working conditions for drivers. Hosted at Gallagher Convention Centre alongside Facilities Management Expo and Firexpo, the shows provide a practical view of how transport risk management, technology, and occupational health practices are converging,” says Mark Anderson, Portfolio Director at Montgomery Group Africa.

Fatigue: the most persistent and underestimated threat

Driver fatigue remains one of the most serious risk factors in commercial transport. Long hours, irregular sleep patterns, and stress place drivers at high risk of micro-sleeps and impaired judgement. While South Africa has fatigue-driving regulations, research indicates that fatigue is often under-reported or only identified after an incident.

Modern fatigue-detection technology is changing this landscape. In-cab cameras, eye-tracking tools, and AI-driven behavioural analytics can now identify early warning signs of fatigue. These systems alert drivers in real time and notify supervisors as risk levels rise. Securex South Africa regularly showcases these solutions, demonstrating how early intervention can significantly reduce accident rates.

For transport managers, fatigue data also supports better long-term planning. Aggregated analytics highlight high-risk routes, problematic schedules, and environmental triggers such as heat or night driving. This insight enables companies to redesign shifts, introduce additional rest breaks, or implement targeted wellness programmes.

Heat, hydration, and environmental stress

Heat exposure is another growing contributor to driver fatigue and reduced alertness. Drivers working in high temperatures face dehydration, slower reaction times, and increased physical strain. Cabin temperatures can exceed outdoor conditions, amplifying risk during long-haul routes.

A-OSH EXPO places significant emphasis on heat-risk management. Practical solutions include:

• Wearable sensors that monitor core temperature and heart rate.
• Portable hydration monitoring device.
• Cab-cooling improvements.
• Training on early heat-stress recognition.

When heat data is linked with fatigue analytics, fleet operators gain a clearer understanding of how environmental stress affects overall driver safety.

The rise of AI-enabled fleet analytics

AI has moved far beyond simple event recording. Today’s onboard cameras and telematics systems process video, sound, and driving behaviour in real time. This enables capabilities such as:

• Identifying harsh braking, speeding, and tailgating.
• Detecting mobile-phone use.
• Monitoring seatbelt compliance.
• Predicting collision risk based on driving patterns.

Securex South Africa often demonstrates these AI-enabled systems, allowing operators to compare platforms and understand how analytics support proactive accident prevention. When integrated with telematics, these tools help validate incidents, reconstruct events, and strengthen insurance and compliance reporting.

Occupational health meets fleet operations

Transport safety no longer operates in isolation. Fleet safety now intersects directly with occupational health, ergonomics, mental wellbeing, and environmental monitoring.

A-OSH EXPO highlights solutions that support these cross-cutting needs:

• Ergonomic seating assessments.
• Musculoskeletal-stress reduction tools.
• Mental-health resources and training.
• Better incident-reporting platforms.
• Wearable monitoring devices.

Together, these tools help reduce long-term injuries, improve driver alertness, and support safer fleet operations.

Building a prevention-first culture

Technology delivers the greatest value when supported by strong organisational culture. Training, communication, and consistent coaching remain essential. Through live demonstrations and practical case studies, A-OSH EXPO and Securex South Africa help transport managers understand how to integrate tools, train drivers effectively, and measure real-world safety improvements.

“The convergence of AI fleet analytics, fatigue monitoring, and occupational health practices offers transport companies a practical path to reducing accidents, lowering operating costs, and improving driver wellbeing,” says Anderson. “As transport risks evolve, prevention-first strategies are becoming essential. Visit www.aosh.co.za to explore the exhibitors presenting these solutions at the co-located expos.”

Organisations wishing to exhibit at A-OSH EXPO 2026 can contact the A-OSH EXPO team on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to book a space or capitalise on a sponsorship opportunity.