University of Ghana Drivers Undergo Professional Training

The University of Ghana in collaboration with Road Safety and Transport Consultancy Limited has held a driving management science (Basic Professional A) course for 200 professional drivers of the University. Participants were drawn from various departments, units and colleges.

The objective of the 3-day training was to enable the drivers upgrade their knowledge in safe driving methods, maintenance of vehicles and the general ethics of the driving profession.

In her remarks, the Registrar of the University, Mrs. Mercy Haizel-Ashia, advised the participants to take the training seriously in order to apply the knowledge practically. She commended the drivers for taking active part in the training session, and reminded them of their important role to the University community.

Registrar of the University, Mrs. Mercy Haizel-Ashia

The drivers were required to write an examination at the end of the course to test their knowledge and competences. Topics learnt included Drivers Habits and Ethics, Motor Risk and Insurance, Vehicle Maintenance, Practical Driving Techniques, Safe Driving, Customer Care, Security Consciousness and Vehicle Documentation.

The National Road Safety Commission (NRSC) shared some statistics with the drivers. It noted that over 70% of the causes of road crashes were as a result of human error. This human error included driver’s bad attitude, bad sense of judgment and reaction on the road. The statistics further indicated that 43% of road fatalities involved pedestrians, 53% involved occupants of vehicles while 23% of all pedestrian fatalities involved children under the age of 16 years. It also established that the major cause of road accidents in Ghana was due to over speeding. This accounted for 60% of car crashes in the country. The Commission advised that the best way to reduce road carnage and human error is through education and training.

A Group Picture of Participants