Doha: Total, the French oil and gas giant, has launched a full-day defensive driving course for its lady employees and contractors, as part of its mandatory safety culture programme.
Training takes place every two months in coordination with Karwa Transport and Training Development Centre.
Over 10 employees attended the session on driving best safety practices.
Participants took part in theory and practical sessions, and were coached on how to reduce driving risks by anticipating situations and making safe, well-informed decisions.
The practical course consisted of slaloming, obstacle avoidance, emergency braking steering and practice driving.
Road accidents have been one of the main causes of fatalities in Qatar, and defensive driving aims to reduce them by training in the use of caution and judgment.
The course covers causes of crashes and how to avoid them, ways to overcome physiological factors such as road rage and emotional distress that can affect driving, and human factors such as driving under the influence of banned substances.
Along with the practical session, the course dealt with the dynamics of a crash, and types of collisions. The importance of safety belt was stressed, as it is the most effective safety equipment in the event of a crash.
Hend Hassan, an employee, said, “It was a very informative and interactive session, with driving rules and regulations explained to us, in addition to using real life situations that can result in dire consequences.
“We were also informed about crash prevention techniques, and how to avoid psychological factors that can negatively impact one’s driving such as stress, fatigue, and emotional distress.
“We will be developing a positive attitude while driving to increase our focus,” Hassan said.
“At Total, safety always comes first, and we provide our employees and contractors with tools and training to keep themselves safe at home, at work and on the road,” said Mohamed Basser, Health Safety and Environment Manager, Total E&P, Qatar. “The course is important as it gives participants skills to identify hazards, and stay alert and focused behind the wheels in all conditions.”The Peninsula
