Dubai Chamber Sustainability Network Members Conduct Awareness Workshop on Road Safety for Commercial Drivers and Supervisors

Dubai, UAE, March 30, 2017:   As part of their “Be Responsible – Drive Safe” campaign launched in 2014, the Dubai Chamber Sustainability Network, in partnership with RTA and Roadsafetyuae.com, and as part of its efforts to support and promote the UAE’s Year of Giving initiative, conducted “Road Safety Awareness Workshop for Commercial Drivers and Supervisors” at the Chamber premises on Thursday. 

The seminar, organised by Dubai Chamber’s Centre for Responsible Business’s Sustainability Network Road Safety working group designed by Royal Society for Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), provided commercial drivers the knowledge and skills as well as the best practice and advice to effectively create an accident-free environment and culture. The Seminar also touched upon a deeper understanding of the causes of accidents and collisions, Road Safety worldwide, as well as driver’s attitude, concentration and fatigue while driving. Muhammed Akber, General Manager – HSEQ & Sustainability, Tristar Transport, spoke at the session, and it was attended by 21 companies’ drivers and supervisors. 

Dr. Belaid Rettab, Senior Director, Economic Research and Sustainable Business Development Sector, Dubai Chamber, stressed on the importance of road safety for an individual whose life he said does not belong to him alone but also to his family and the community.  Therefore this session and the continuing road safety campaign emphasis on safe ways for the prevention of traffic accidents and saving of precious lives, are important.

He added that this road safety awareness workshop reflects on the commitment of the Sustainability Network members whose contribution to the various sustainable initiatives do not only serve the companies and the community, but also goes on to enhance Dubai’s reputation of celebrating diversity while creating an inclusive and cohesive society that enriches its business environment.

On his part, Muhammed Akber, General Manager – HSEQ & Sustainability, Tristar Transport said: “We support the UN’s Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020, which aims to reduce road deaths and injuries across the world. Our strategic partnership with RoSPA and RTA is to provide free safe driving education to heavy duty commercial drivers.”

"We believe that 90% to 95% of road accidents happen due to human error and can be prevented by raising awareness and changing behaviors," he added.

The Centre for Responsible Business, which was formed in 2004 and celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2014, plays an important role in instilling a culture of responsible business in the UAE. The Centre assists Dubai Chamber members to apply responsible business practices that enhance their performance and competitiveness. It also provides research, training and events related to the concept of corporate social responsibility, while raising the profile of Dubai as a sustainable business destination.

H.H. Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, recently declared 2017 as the Year of Giving in the UAE. The initiative focuses on three main themes, namely enhancing social responsibility in the private sector, building a culture of volunteerism across all segments of society, and promoting the concept of serving the nation among youth.