Driving a large truck – we’re talking about those that pull containers and carry heavy loads – is not something that any car driver can do. Many times the length, size and weight of a car, driving trucks requires skills for which the drivers need to be trained in.
As a manufacturer of such vehicles, Volvo Trucks has long shown its responsibility, not only making and selling the trucks but also ensuring that the people who drive them are qualified with the right driving skills.
Its Advanced Driver Development Programme imparts advanced safety training content and materials with the goal of elevating the capabilities of existing drivers. The modules are crafted to enhance the technical expertise of trainees and deepen their understanding of advanced driving techniques, vehicle dynamics, and tactical manoeuvres essential for specific job roles.
Various companies and organisations send their drivers for this programme and among them are the PDRM (Royal Malaysian Police Force). Recently, group of 20 trainees comprising instructors from the Bakri Royal Malaysian Police Technical College in Muar, Johor attended the course and were certified by Volvo Trucks.
The company designed the programme for this group to encompass two vital modules, namely the Driving and Truck Handling Skill Course, and the Advanced and Tactical Truck Handling Skill Course. This focused on enhancing driving skills, efficiency and safety.
The trainees were coached throughout the practical and theory modules by a highly qualified HRD Corp-certified Volvo Trucks trainer who has 2 decades of experience. The hands-on training was conducted at the Sepang International Circuit.
“At Volvo Trucks, safety is at the heart of everything we do. We strive for excellence in every facet of our operations, from the design and manufacturing of our vehicles, to the training and development of our drivers,” said Volvo Trucks Malaysia Managing Director, Anthony O’Connell.
“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Trainers from the Bakri Royal Malaysian Police Technical College who have successfully completed this rigorous and comprehensive programme. Partnership is the new leadership. Through this successful collaboration with MIROS, we have created a platform that not only imparts essential skills, but also reinforces our shared commitment to the highest standards of safety, sustainability, and quality – the core values of Volvo,” Mr. O’Connell explained.
Open to all commercial vehicle operators, the Volvo Trucks Advanced Driver Development Programme is one of several initiatives developed under a Memorandum of Collaboration between Volvo Trucks and MIROS (Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research) which was signed in 2023. Its goal is to drive road safety initiatives to reduce the number of road accidents, injuries, and fatalities in Malaysia.
“The Malaysia Road Safety Plan 2022-2030 aims to achieve a 50% reduction in road traffic crash fatalities by the end of 2030 compared to 2019. MIROS believes the participation of international organisations such as Volvo Trucks and the Sepang International Circuit in organising such training programmes is a significant starting point for capacity building to help us improve road safety,” said MIROS Director-General, Associate Professor Ts Dr Siti Zaharah Ishak.
“Continuous training and professional development are essential, and by enhancing knowledge and skills through relevant courses, we can ensure that road safety in Malaysia remains at the highest level,” she added.
MIROS’ role in this synergy will be to contribute guidelines for the delivery of effective road safety training and provide suggestions and materials to enhance this training programme.
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