MAKING NAMIBIAN ROADS SAFER: Vivo Energy Namibia, the marketer and distributor of Shell-branded fuels and lubricants, has teamed up with the Namibian Bus and Taxi Association (Nabta) to design a defensive driving and basic first aid course, specifically for bus and taxi drivers. The objective of the training was to provide skills to taxi drivers to help them maintain an awareness of road and weather conditions, other vehicles, road users and potentially hazardous situations and then taking steps to prevent becoming the cause of or becoming involved in accidents. About 25 drivers underwent training. Topics included techniques on sharing roads safely, avoiding others who are driving aggressively, driver alertness, allowing time and space and ensuring that their vehicle and their intentions are visible on the road. Commenting on the training, Vivo corporate communications manager Lazarus Nafidi said: “It is true that road safety initiatives in the recent past have been more reactive and therefore not as effective. Defensive driving for public transporters presents a more proactive approach and places the competency, skill and responsibility into the hands of the driver.” PHOTO: Contributed