since 1976
since 1976
Daihatsu (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. (DMSB) launched its first ever Drivers Safety Training Program to address road safety concerns in Malaysia and encourage a culture of safe driving behaviour. The Program was conceptualised exclusively for Daihatsu fleet customers through the recently launched Daihatsu Business Fleet Program that provides SMEs, company fleet purchasers, and renewal customers with solutions and service support to maximise their fleet’s potential.
A collaboration with Yamato Transport (M) Sdn. Bhd. (YTM), the Drivers Safety Driving Program aims to inculcate safer driving on the road and secure operation of commercial vehicles in Malaysia. The partnership also leverages both companies’ safety-related experience and capabilities from Japan and Malaysia by incorporating Driving Aptitude Test (DAT) which assesses the driver’s Personality, Safe Driving Behaviour, Danger Perception, Speed Estimation, Selected Reactions and Steering Wheel Operations. YTM is the only training provider in Malaysia that incorporates the DAT psychology method into any road safety training.
Through the program, DMSB hopes to assist drivers improve their driving skills and techniques, thus contributing to lowering the risk of road accidents occurring among commercial vehicle drivers.
Although the number of fatalities on the road have dropped 6.3% last year, the number of accidents has rose from 533,875 in 2017 to 548,598 cases in 2018. A report by the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety (MIROS) also revealed that 80% of accidents were primarily caused by human error.
Better driving habits and skills would also result in maintaining a vehicle in optimal condition, prolonging its uptime and lowering maintenance costs – eventually working to maximise vehicle uptime and minimise vehicle lifetime cost of the customers’ vehicle.
The full-day program was carried out at the Hino Total Support Customer Centre (HTSCC) in Sendayan, Negeri Sembilan, where the upgraded circuit track and facilities allowed for professional-level exercises in a safe environment.
Safety from start to finish
The Program was divided into three segments: Theoretical Classes, Daily Vehicle Inspection Routine, and Practical Circuit Training. Each segment focused on various aspects of safety awareness, vehicle knowledge, hazard prediction training by Kiken Yochi Training (KYT) as well as the Driver’s Aptitude Test by YTM.
Participants were also taught to carry out the 7-step Daily Vehicle Inspection Routine to ensure that their vehicle is in good condition to prevent accidents and reduce maintenance and repair costs.
Finally, participants were introduced to the practical circuit training and a safety demonstration on-site. The circuit training included emergency brake training on wet roads and driving uphill and downhill to enhance their gear shifting skills when the vehicle is loaded and vice versa.
DMSB and YTM have plans in the pipeline to further develop and enhance the program to achieve their goal of encouraging safer driving habits in Malaysia.
For more information on Daihatsu, visit www.daihatsu.com.my.
