SPTC, SLTA sensitise drivers on culture of safe driving |27 December 2014
The Seychelles Public Transport Corporation (SPTC) along with the Department of Transport held a educational talk with SPTC drivers and management officials last week to further enhance road safety.
This awareness session on road safety with drivers and certain staff of the company started last year in line with Safety Week and is continuing in collaboration with the Seychelles Police and the Transport Department.
Conducted by the principal secretary for Transport Patrick Andre, who is also a board member of SPTC, the talk this week was aimed at continuously cultivating a culture of safe driving among SPTC bus drivers.
It is expected that following the talks, drivers will pay closer attention while on the road, hence reducing the number of accidents.
The talks will also serve as a guideline in identifying workplace risks and ways to better control them.
In his openingremarks, Mr Andre said the session will address the public’s perceptions and views and also what the company’s board wishes for the betterment of its staff.
“You have a very important role to play in the Seychelles economy. About 45,000 people are transported in SPTC buses daily. Our responsibility is to take passengers either from the bus terminal or from their districts and bring them where they want to go in a safe, convenient and comfortable manner,” said Mr Andre, stressing the vital importance of security for both passengers and driver.
He said as there are continuous trainings for both drivers and other SPTC staff, it is important for them to follow-up on these courses.
He also mentioned the cautious measures drivers should take daily like checking the functionality of a bus before taking it on the road and avoiding consuming alcohol or other prohibited substances while on duty.
The company’s zero tolerance on drug use, respect for traffic laws and refraining from dangerous or fast driving were other issues that the session addressed.
According to statistics, there has been a significant decrease in the number of accidents involving SPTC buses in 2014. Nonetheless, Mr Andre believes that there is still room for improvement.
“Let’s keep the image of SPTC high,” Mr Andre urged.