SEREMBAN: Daihatsu Malaysia Sdn Bhd (DMSB) has launched its first drivers safety training programme to address road safety concerns in the country and encourage a culture of safe driving behaviour.
“Safer driving behaviour begins with drivers themselves, and we hope this training will raise awareness on the importance of being safe on the road and how to ensure that they play their part,” said DMSB managing director Arman Mahadi.
The programme was designed for Daihatsu fleet customers through the recently launched Daihatsu Business Fleet Programme that provides small-to-medium enterprises, company fleet purchasers, and renewal customers with solutions and service support to maximise their fleet’s potential.
In collaboration with Yamato Transport Malaysia (YTM), the programme aims to promote safer driving on the road.
The partnership also leverages on both companies’ safety-related experience and capabilities from Japan and Malaysia by incorporating a Driving Aptitude Test (DAT) which assesses the driver’s personality, safe driving behaviour, danger perception, speed estimation, selected reactions and steering wheel operations.
YTM is the only training provider in the country that incorporates the DAT test into any road safety training.
Through the programme, DMSB hopes to assist drivers with improving their driving skills and techniques to help contribute to the reduction of road accidents involving commercial vehicle drivers.
Although road fatalities have dropped by 6.3% last year, the number of accidents has risen from 533,875 in 2017 to 548,598 cases in 2018.
A report by the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety recently revealed that 80% of accidents were caused by human error.
The day-long programme was carried out at the Hino Total Support Customer Centre (HTSCC) in Sendayan, Negri Sembilan, on its upgraded circuit track and facilities.
The programme was divided into three segments starting with theoretical classes and followed by daily vehicle inspection routine as well as a practical circuit training.
Each segment focused on various aspects of safety awareness, vehicle knowledge, hazard prediction training by Kiken Yochi Training, which includes a YTM driver’s aptitude test.
Participants were also taught to carry out the seven-step daily vehicle inspection routine to ensure that their vehicle is in good condition to prevent accidents and reduce maintenance and repair costs.
Finally, participants were introduced to the practical circuit training facility where a safety demonstration was given.
The circuit training included emergency brake training on wet roads as well as driving up and downhill to enhance their gear shifting skills with a loaded and unloaded vehicle.
“We want to create and sustain a mindset of safer driving behaviour throughout the country. We hope this will assist companies in increasing their efficiency and productivity,” said DMSB product and marketing senior manager of corporate planning Muhammad Fahmi.
Both DMSB and YTM have plans in the pipeline to further develop and enhance the program to further encourage safer driving habits in the country.
