The Namibian Revolutionary Transport and Manufacturing Union (NARETU) and the Automobile Association of Namibia (AA Namibia) have partnered to improve road safety through defensive driving training for truck drivers. The partnership aims to equip drivers with practical skills to prevent crashes and save lives. NARETU commander in chief Petersen Kambinda emphasized that defensive driving is a critical road safety intervention. The training will cover various topics, including fatigue management, speed management, and emergency response.
The partnership was formalized through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed on Thursday. Kambinda stated that truck drivers are critical to Namibia's economy but face several risks, including fatigue, long distance driving, and hazardous road conditions. The training will focus on improving driver competency, road-user awareness, and the ability of professional drivers to respond to hazardous situations. This initiative aims to ensure that professional drivers are better prepared to handle emergency situations and "drive to arrive alive" at their destinations.
The training program will cover a range of topics, including fatigue management, speed management, heavy-vehicle braking, blind spots, safe overtaking, vehicle and tyre safety, road awareness, journey planning, and emergency response. Practical training is particularly important, as drivers often face emergencies such as tyre bursts, where an inappropriate response can have serious consequences. The program is expected to expand beyond Windhoek, with NARETU and AA Namibia planning to facilitate training in other regions depending on demand and logistical requirements.
AA Namibia marketing, communications, and finance manager Wilka Malulu stated that the organization's involvement is aligned with the Namibia Road Safety Action Plan 2021-2030. The plan's fourth pillar focuses on safer road users through education, awareness, and targeted interventions. Malulu emphasized that responsible behavior, education, and awareness are crucial components of efforts to reduce crashes. The agreement allows AA Namibia to reach professional drivers and transport companies directly with road-safety training.
The partnership offers a financial incentive to NARETU members, who will be able to access AA Namibia's defensive driving training at a discounted rate of N$1 250. The fee includes on-board training, assessment, training materials, and certification costs. NARETU deputy commander in chief Johannes Hango stressed that the MOU should translate into practical action on the roads and called on employers, truck drivers, and other road users to contribute to reducing road fatalities and crashes.
The initiative requires cooperation between government, employers, unions, training institutions, drivers, and other road users. For NARETU, the partnership represents an effort to link worker representation with practical interventions aimed at protecting its members while they perform their duties on the country's roads. The union aims to move from raising concerns about road safety to directly investing in driver skills and responsible road-user behavior.
The ultimate objective of the partnership is to ensure that professional drivers are equipped to manage risks before they become crashes. Kambinda emphasized that defensive driving cannot be treated simply as another training program but as a critical road safety intervention. The partnership between NARETU and AA Namibia aims to make a positive impact on road safety in Namibia and reduce the number of crashes involving heavy vehicles.
Key points
- NARETU and AA Namibia partner to provide defensive driving training to truck drivers.
- The training program aims to improve driver competency and road safety.
- The partnership offers a financial incentive to NARETU members.
