Company banks on defensive driving to cut accident rates

Distracted drivers are a major cause of the increasing road carnage, a motoring association has said. They are either on the phone, scanning magazines or sometimes eating while driving.

According to findings by the Automobile Association of Kenya (AAK), 90 per cent of road accidents in Kenya are caused by human error.

Mr Francis Theuri, director general of AAK, says whereas it is hard to control the actions of other road users, one can learn defensive techniques.

“Most motorists are not intentionally dangerous. They want to be responsible and to interact safely with others on the road. But many lack knowledge and understanding of the risks involved in driving, or they miss the skills, attitude and motivation to do so,” he told the Sunday Nation.  

To mitigate this, the car association — one of the largest in the country — has advanced its training beyond the basics of “how to drive”.

Defensive driving entails awareness of road and weather conditions, other vehicles, road users and potentially hazardous situations, and then taking steps to prevent crashes.

Under the course, learners will understand proper driving attitudes, risks and interaction with other road users, in addition to getting a more in-depth understanding of the interaction needed with the cars they drive.

“The theoretical part of the course includes presentations by our facilitators, coupled with Power Point presentations, video shows and training materials based on practical experiences,” says Ms Anne Kabuchi, head communications at AAK.

READ: Matatu drivers set for fresh training in new road safety measures

Defensive driving, she explains, ensures maximum safety for employees, protection of company fleet and gives organisations the confidence that its employees have the required driving skills. “The course is essential to all organisations”.   

AAK has different courses to meet various needs of its clients — a two day intermediate defensive driving course, a three-day intermediate defensive driving course with practical modules and a five-day intermediate defensive driving course.

“Driving takes a lot of concentration and focus, from watching roads, cars, pedestrians, speed limits, traffic lights and the mirrors. Distractions such as phones, newspapers and food make drivers less able to see potential hazards. This is what our defensive driving courses focus on,” she explained.

Mr Theuri said that after the course, employers will have more confidence in the driving skills of their staff, while accidents and down time on vehicles due repairs will reduce.