Police step up as role models in safe driving

30 September 2018, 12:00AM

The Samoa Police Service (S.P.S.) has announced its Defensive Driving Course (D.D.C.) which commenced in July 2017. 

To date, ninety-nine Police officers and civilian members of the S.P.S. have been trained and are now certified drivers.

As per S.P.S. Policy, in order to operate any S.P.S. vehicles, its members must hold a valid driver’s license, undertake and pass the mandatory D.D.C.

The D.D.C. is conducted by S.P.S. Training Unit and is set according to Australian Fitness to Drive, Australia and Samoa Road Safety standards which covers driver trainings for 4 Wheel Drive light vehicles as well as on-road competencies in assessing heavy vehicles.

The key principles behind Defensive Driving is to:

• Drive in a manner that prevents accidents regardless of other drivers faulty driving or Non-compliance with traffic laws;

• Driving with regards to the weather and road conditions; 

• Recognizing of the limitations on both the driver and the vehicle; and 

• Identify, assess and control risks to the driver and the vehicle.

Some of the key benefits for graduates of this course includes:

• Improved driving skills;

• a more effective response to incidents; and

• ability to operate vehicles in difficult terrain.

Also, a positive outcome of this training through the improved driver knowledge and skills graduates have attained, is the reduction of vehicle crashes, and competent driving, reduction in maintenance costs and an improved basic vehicle checks and care of vehicle equipment.

More importantly, these trained and certified drivers are now setting a positive example through a demonstrated higher standard of driving and assist in reducing liability to Government due to vehicle incidents and lower risks to the public

30 September 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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