NARETU, AA Namibia target truck crashes through defensive driving training

Sostenus Wilherm

The Namibian Revolutionary Transport and Manufacturing Union (NARETU) and the Automobile Association of Namibia (AA Namibia) have joined forces to tackle road crashes through defensive driving training targeting truck drivers.

The two organisations signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Thursday aimed at improving driver competency, road-user awareness and the ability of professional drivers to respond to hazardous situations on Namibia’s roads.

Speaking at the signing event, NARETU commander in chief Petersen Kambinda said the partnership was intended to move beyond discussions about road safety by equipping drivers with practical skills that could help prevent crashes and save lives.

“Defensive driving cannot be treated simply as another training programme. It is a road safety intervention,” Kambinda said.

He said truck drivers were critical to the country’s economy but faced several risks in their daily work, including fatigue, long distance driving, high speeds, heavy vehicle stopping distances, blind spots, changing road conditions and vehicle emergencies.

The training will cover fatigue management, speed management, heavy-vehicle braking, blind spots, safe overtaking, vehicle and tyre safety, road awareness, journey planning and emergency response.

Kambinda said practical training was particularly important when drivers faced emergencies after obtaining their licences, such as tyre bursts, where an inappropriate response could have serious consequences.

He said the initiative was aimed at ensuring professional drivers were better prepared for such situations and could “drive to arrive alive” at their destinations.

The partnership comes as road safety remains a major concern in Namibia, particularly with heavy vehicles involved in crashes that can result in serious injuries and fatalities.

AA Namibia marketing, communications and finance manager Wilka Malulu said the organisation’s involvement was aligned with the Namibia Road Safety Action Plan 2021-2030, particularly its fourth pillar, which focuses on safer road users through education, awareness and targeted interventions.

Malulu said the agreement would allow AA Namibia to reach professional drivers and transport companies directly with road-safety training.

“The road is not the problem, but our behaviour (is),” Malulu said.

She emphasised that responsible behaviour, education and awareness were important components of efforts to reduce crashes.

The agreement also offers a financial incentive to NARETU members. Verified and paid-up members will be able to access AA Namibia’s defensive driving training at N$1 250, compared with the standard fee of N$1 550.

The fee includes on-board training, assessment, training materials and certification costs.

NARETU said the initiative would therefore not only focus on road safety but also contribute to the professional development, safety and well-being of its members.

NARETU deputy commander in chief Johannes Hango said the MOU should not be reduced to a ceremonial signing but should translate into practical action on the roads.

“It is not just about signing a piece of paper, we are demonstrating our commitment to being responsible citizens,” Hango said.

He called on employers, truck drivers and other road users to contribute to reducing road fatalities and crashes, stressing that road safety could not be left to one institution or sector.

The programme is expected to expand beyond Windhoek, with NARETU and AA Namibia planning to facilitate training in other regions depending on demand, group sizes and logistical requirements.

The organisations said the initiative would require 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 said the agreement would allow it to move from raising concerns about road safety to directly investing in driver skills and responsible road-user behaviour.

Kambinda said the ultimate objective was to ensure that professional drivers were equipped to manage risks before they became crashes.