Travel Security and Duty of Care: Ground Transportation Risks and Secure Journey Management

In the realm of travel security, there is a growing trend towards an "IT-oriented" corporate approach. This approach relies on the belief that utilizing various apps, which send alerts, provide analysis capabilities, and facilitate communication, is sufficient to fulfill an organization's duty of care. Consequently, the traditional mindset and "old school" that prioritized on-the-ground operations is now considered outdated and less relevant, particularly among large multinational companies. Instead, these companies often delegate these responsibilities to vendors, who may not always be reliable in case of incidents.

I personally believe that travel security encompasses a more holistic approach. It goes beyond relying solely on technology and emphasizes the importance of comprehensive measures such as analysis, training, information dissemination, communication, and operational readiness. By considering all these aspects together, organizations can ensure a more robust and effective travel security framework.

Ground transportation is a critical component of travel security, yet it is often overshadowed by cost considerations, neglecting the potential risks involved. This article delves into the alarming statistics surrounding ground transportation safety and highlights the significance of adopting a duty of care approach to address these risks effectively.

A thorough understanding of the risks associated with ground transportation is essential. Consider the following statistics:

• According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is estimated that globally, approximately 1.35 million people die each year as a result of road traffic accidents, which equates to an average of nearly 3,700 deaths per day or one death every 23 seconds. It is important to note that these figures represent fatalities and do not account for non-fatal injuries or property damage caused by car incidents.
• In low- and middle-income countries with inadequate road infrastructure, approximately 90% of road traffic deaths occur. This calls for urgent measures to improve transportation systems and implement robust safety measures.
• Only 34 countries, representing 29% of the global population, have drink-driving laws that align with recommended best practices. This inadequacy emphasizes the need for stringent legislation and enforcement to mitigate the dangers posed by drink-driving.
• Urban speed limits recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) are met by merely 47 countries, accounting for a mere 13% of the world's population. The widespread lack of adherence to appropriate speed limits in urban areas increases the vulnerability of pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users.
• Shockingly, 80% of countries worldwide allow the sale of vehicles that fail to meet basic safety standards. This leaves millions of travelers exposed to unnecessary risks, as these vehicles lack critical safety features, including seat belts, airbags, and anti-lock braking systems.
• ?Annually, up to 50 million people sustain non-fatal injuries due to road traffic accidents, leading to long-term physical and psychological consequences for the victims.
• Road traffic accidents cost countries an average of 3% of their gross domestic product, imposing a substantial economic burden encompassing medical expenses, productivity losses, infrastructure damage, and increased insurance premiums.

Despite the severity of these statistics, road safety often takes a backseat in travelers' minds during trip planning. While travelers may be more aware of the risks associated with crime or assault, the significance of road safety is often underestimated. The prevailing "it'll never happen to me" attitude can lead to a disregard for potential road-related risks.

To address these concerns, organizations must prioritize duty of care and ensure that travel policies explicitly address road safety risks, rather than solely focusing on financial considerations. An effective policy is one that is clearly communicated to all employees, accompanied by measures to demonstrate the dissemination of information and ensure buy-in. It is crucial to include all aspects of ground transportation, including employees' personal vehicles and transfers to and from airports.

Organizations should conduct comprehensive risk assessments for countries where they operate or employees frequently travel. Assigning risk levels based on the organization's risk appetite or utilizing travel risk management companies can provide a structured approach. Enhanced due diligence measures, such as engaging secure journey management services, should be implemented in higher-risk countries (level 4 and 5). For lower-risk countries (level 1, 2, and 3), organizations should determine the minimum accreditation requirements for ground transportation providers to ensure traveler safety, fulfill duty of care obligations, and safeguard their reputation.

In higher-risk regions, organizations should consider secure journey management services to enhance traveler safety. These services can range from trained drivers ensuring secure transportation to highly skilled close protection officers accompanying travelers throughout their in-country journeys. Effective journey management begins with comprehensive pre-trip planning, including pre-trip intelligence, risk assessments, and route and venue reconnaissance. This proactive approach ensures that all aspects of the journey are thoroughly evaluated, accounting for individual traveler profiles and potential risks.

Ground transportation safet and securityy is an often neglected aspect of corporate travel security, despite its significant impact on traveler well-being. By adopting a duty of care approach, integrating road safety into travel policies, conducting risk assessments, and considering secure journey management services, organizations can effectively mitigate ground transportation risks. A comprehensive and technical approach to travel security, encompassing all facets of ground transportation, is imperative to ensure the safety and security of travelers and protect the organization's interests.

Andrea Piovan

01/06/2023