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The amount of training needed, and the techniques used to manage trauma related to looting incidents will vary considerably within the area of operation and of course with the driver involved.

In most cases, incidents like such may cause personal distress and impede job performance for up to a month. However, some drivers may be more deeply affected and experience more significant impairment, developing a psychological disorder called Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, characterized by the reactions we’ve mentioned. However, in PTSD, these effects can last for years and can be extremely debilitating.

While fleets are concerned with wellness programs to address issues such as diabetes, HIV, smoking, obesity, and driver fatigue. They might want to apply this thinking also to address Post Traumatic Stress Disorders elicited by such events.

Effective driver training means training must now include a special module dealing with Protest Action which would cover aspects such as Effective Route Planning, Monitoring News Broadcasts, Constant Liaison with The Company’s Control Room and also Communicating with fellow Truck Drivers.

Drivers must also be given Standard Operating Procedures on how to deal with Unrests, What Actions to Take, How to Protect Life and Limb and When to Abandon Ship (when crowd control is completely out of the question. )

Emergency Telephone Numbers for police, fire and ambulance must be kept on his person and aspects of Self Defence may be taught.

Depending on the Situational Analysis, Ramming Through Tactics and Offensive Driving can also be applied.

How would trauma experienced impact on the driving ability and behaviour of a truck driver? What would he be doing differently or fail to do?

• Depending on the character trait of each driver some may become timid, reserved and withdrawn, whilst others may over-compensate by becoming aggressive and defensive, the latter being extremely dangerous on the road.
• Road rage could become common and reckless behaviour may manifest itself as a driver now aims for survival.
• The trauma experienced, can mean dealing with PTSD, regularly facing trauma triggers, and battling exhaustion through it all—without professional help to identify or manage these mental-health problems.
• This isn’t just dangerous to the truckers; it can be a safety hazard for anyone on the road. The most common symptoms of PTSD include difficulty sleeping, difficulty staying awake, panic attacks, and problems concentrating.
• These symptoms would systematically increase the risk profile of a driver.

For more on this story visit Arrive Alive.

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