Road safety training for drivers

More than 220 drivers are now more prepared to tackle accidents on the roads, after taking part in a driving programme on basic road safety, first aid and emergency responses.

The programme, for Emirates Transport Company drivers and assistants, was part of the Emirates Foundation for Youth Development’s National Emergency Response Volunteer Programme (Sanid) and carried out in collaboration with the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA).

During the five-day training sessions, Sanid specialists and other emergency response experts lectured drivers on safety measures, first aid skills and CPR techniques.

Chief Programmes officer at the Emirates Foundation, Maytha Al Habsi, said that by upgrading drivers’ skills, the possibility of road accidents would be lessened and would help prepare drivers to respond more efficiently to emergency situations.

“Participants receive practical training on situations simulating real life traffic accidents that might face drivers at any moment,” Al Habsi said.

The training focused on how to deal with injuries, such as fractures, burns and bleeding and fires, including proper use of fire extinguishers.

“Our ultimate goal is to help create a safe environment for our school children by developing the drivers’ skills in the field of emergency response and traffic accidents.”

The foundation hopes to train over 500 drivers, 150 supervisors and 40 employees from Emirates Transport.

Sanid, which means “support” in Arabic, is a UAE volunteer emergency response programme which aims to draw on the examples of international groups, particularly the Swedish Civil Defence League and the US Citizen Corps, the foundation said.

The programme prepares volunteers to cope with national and local emergencies in order to enhance the country’s readiness to manage any crisis situation. The programme reinforces the national emergency relief response during large-scale crises and disasters and provides emergency response volunteers capable of assisting local and national authorities in the event of a crisis or emergency situation.

It provides citizens and residents of the UAE with the knowledge and skill to become involved in crisis situations and contribute to the safety of their fellow citizens.

olivia@khaleejtimes.com