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After an intensive period of rehabilitation, a lot of perseverance and a lengthy process with the CBR, driver Sander van Pagee is back on the truck. What started in five years ago with a drastic accident resulting in a spinal cord injury has now grown into a special story in which resilience, cooperation, customization and technological innovation come together.
In May 2021, driver Sander van Pagee suffered a serious accident that left him with a spinal cord injury. His life changed overnight. The two-and-a-half-year period that followed was entirely devoted to rehabilitation and regaining independence. Despite everything, one wish always remained: to get back on the truck. And it did!
After a rehabilitation period of two and a half months, Sander cautiously began working again. At Wiskerke Onions, he was given the opportunity to start on an adapted forklift truck. This kept him active within the logistics process and involved with his colleagues.
Sander's employer played a crucial role by providing space, trust and customization. From the beginning, the focus was not on limitations, but rather on possibilities. The common goal remained to eventually get Sander back on the truck.
In order to become a truck driver again, Sander had to go through an extensive medical and driving course at the Central Bureau of Driving Licenses (CBR).
This process was lengthy and complex. After a court hearing, the CBR agreed to assess, in cooperation with Volvo Trucks, how Sander could still drive a truck with today's knowledge and techniques. Medical examinations and several practical driving tests also followed.
After a period of intensive cooperation, many consultations and a good dose of perseverance, but certainly also a positive approach and organization from CBR, finally the redeeming word came: Sander gets his driving license back.
An important part of the final solution was the use of innovative vehicle technology. Volvo Dynamic Steering from Volvo Trucks makes it possible to significantly reduce the physical load during steering. It actively supports steering, corrects uneven road surfaces and provides additional stability at both low and high speeds. This makes steering lighter and more precise. In addition, the system intervenes in emergency situations, thus increasing safety on the road.
An earlier investigation from the CBR recognized the operation of Volvo Dynamic Steering. This was ultimately a decisive factor in assessing Sander's fitness to drive. The condition, however, is that he only drive one specific truck that meets all the requirements.
Volvo Trucks dealer Bluekens Truck and Bus therefore delivered from its branch in Goes a new Volvo FH Aero that has been completely modified, and built up in the house style of Wiskerke Onions.
In addition to the technological support from Volvo Trucks, Bever Auto Adjustments also played a vital role. The company specializes in customized solutions for drivers with physical disabilities. In close consultation, the necessary adjustments were identified and professionally integrated into the vehicle. For example, an adapted seat was delivered and the foot pedals can be replaced by a push/pull system at the height of the steering wheel. This allows Sander to drive safely, ergonomically and in full compliance with legal requirements.
A practical challenge was entering and exiting the cab independently. For this, B&S built in an elevator on the co-driver's side of the truck, allowing Sander to enter and exit the cab safely and independently. This solution makes him completely independent in his daily work and allows him to go on the road without additional support.
A modified bottom dump truck was also purchased through Dewagtere. This is equipped with an electric sliding tarpaulin, which removes physical obstacles and allows Sander to do his work independently. Also on order is a trailer with lifting roof system to drive crates in cooperation with Hertoghs Roosendaal and Agpro Emmeloord - this way Sander is also multi-deployable.
Sander van Pagee's return to trucking is the result of a unique collaboration between employee, employer, truck dealer, truck manufacturer, vehicle customizers and inspection authorities.
Where 2021 was all about standing still, 2026 symbolizes progress. Thanks to perseverance, confidence and innovation, Sander is once again driving where he loves best: on the road, behind the wheel of his truck.
