United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) trainers are now equipped to pass on vital defensive driving knowledge and skills to their drivers and subcontractors in Uganda and Tanzania, enhancing the safety of humanitarian missions.
The UN Refugee Agency relies on its fleet and drivers to conduct critical humanitarian road missions, often to remote and rural locations. To raise their safety and efficiency, IRU, the world road transport organisation, has delivered a comprehensive five-day Train-the-Trainer Defensive Driving programme.
Based on internationally recognised industry standards, the programme equips trainers – and, by extension, drivers – with advanced techniques to anticipate, avoid and safely handle potential hazards on the road.
The training focuses on anticipating and responding to a variety of road conditions, as well as understanding the psychology of other drivers and road users to predict their actions. It fosters a proactive approach to road safety and hazard management, improving situational awareness and reaction times. Additionally, the programme addresses strategies to reduce risks posed by aggressive or distracted driving.
Road accidents pose a significant threat to UNHCR personnel, implementing partners, affected communities, and local populations.
