A poll undertaken by Freight News last week appears to indicate that the majority of our readers believe that shock tactics are necessary to drive home the message about the dangers faced by truck drivers waiting to cross congested borders.
The poll was in response to criticism from one of our readers about the use of a graphic image embedded in the copy of a report headlined “Violent attacks at Beitbridge claim a life”. The image showed a truck driver who had been shot while waiting to proceed north through South Africa’s Beitbridge border with Zimbabwe.
A warning against “graphic content” was used as the link’s main image.
“I am very surprised and somewhat disappointed that your publication has distributed this picture,” he said.
“I do hope that you consulted the individual concerned.”
The poll revealed that 67% were in favour of the graphic representation while 33% voted no.
“The reality can be illustrated without graphic pictures that add no value. My opinion is that a large warning of graphic content is clickbait,” he added.
Another reader said from time to time it was important to face up to the harsh reality of driver danger.
“We often read about truckers getting attacked at Beitbridge while sitting in queues. Sometimes we need to see for ourselves what it looks like. Perhaps it jolts authorities into action as they mostly seem apathetic about what’s happening.”
