As part of the ongoing initiatives for the Use Your RoadSense movement launched by the Traffic Police (TP) in April 2015, TP and the Singapore Road Safety Council (SRSC) organised a RoadSense seminar today for heavy vehicle drivers. The seminar was attended by around 180 participants, comprising fleet owners, safety and operations managers, as well as road safety partners.
During the seminar, issues on improving road performance through enhanced processes, people development and technology were discussed. Experts from various related industries were also invited to share their perspectives on how companies’ operational processes; policy improvements; talent development; continuous education; and technology can affect driving behaviour.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Sam Tee, Commander TP, said, “For heavy vehicle drivers, the roads are like their offices. We know that they face a different set of challenges on the roads. They have a good understanding of the importance of road safety, but practising good road safety takes more than knowledge and discipline. Today, we see how some companies have successfully applied training, operational policies, technology and other best practices to promote safe driving among their drivers. We trust that with this RoadSense seminar, more companies will be empowered to continuously find ways to nurture a culture of safer road behaviour in their businesses.”
An exhibition by road safety partners was also held in conjunction with the seminar, to encourage safer driving practices among drivers as well as showcase the tools and resources for fleet owners and safety officers. The participating road safety partners were:
- (a) Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Council
Safe Driving Notebook: Jointly developed by the WSH Council, SRSC and TP, a new driver’s notebook was launched and distributed to fleet owners. Filled with tips for vocational road users, the aim is to increase risk awareness and serve as a reminder to vocational drivers. The notebook is available in English and Mandarin and can be downloaded here .
bizSAFE Programme: A five-step programme that helps companies to build up WSH capabilities to identify, mitigate, minimise and control risks at the workplace. - (b) Automobile Association of Singapore (AAS) Academy
The AAS Academy introduced the Crash Prevention Programme to increase risk awareness and encourage best practices in road safety amongst drivers. It is a highly interactive programme that focuses on the consequences of unsafe driving through a simulation software and a review of video footages from on-board cameras. - (c) Samwoh
Recognising that road users might not be as familiar with the blind spots of heavy vehicles, large warning stickers would be pasted on close to 70% of Samwoh’s fleet of tipper trucks. A joint-initiative by Samwoh and TP, the Blind Spot Campaign aims to increase awareness of a heavy vehicle’s “danger zones” to other road users, especially pedestrians. The stickers also serve as a reminder to fellow motorists to avoid these areas whenever possible. - (d) Volvo Trucks Singapore
Various technologies and features developed by Volvo Trucks to make heavy vehicles safer were showcased at the exhibition. This includes the Active and Passive Safety Systems, which help to prevent accidents or minimise injuries to the driver and passenger, and other road users. - (e) 3M
3M, a global leader in the field of reflective sheetings, showcased its range of safety and reflective sheetings and tapes at the seminar. Fleet owners also learnt more about how 3M Conspicuity Tapes can be used to improve road and vehicular safety, increase wide-angle visibility at night and during wet weather conditions.
Mr Sam Pang, Senior Manager, Asphalt & Business Development, Samwoh, said, “Road safety is extremely important to all of us, and as employers, we are especially concerned about the safety of our drivers and all road users. By bringing together different partners with a common goal, this collaborative and inclusive approach will result in effective and sustainable activities to encourage good RoadSense amongst all of us.”
TP also launched The RoadSense Pledge, a programme which encourages heavy vehicle drivers to remain free of accidents and demerit points for a year. Organised in partnership with VICOM, heavy vehicle drivers can sign up for the programme at the four VICOM inspection centres from 22 April 2016.
TP would like to invite all road users to take part in the conversations online, at the Use Your RoadSense Facebook page and support the movement by getting others involved. Visit https://www.facebook.com/roadsense.sg for more details.
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
18 April 2016 @ 5:30 PM