Finding and retaining qualified drivers is one of the problems challenging transport operators in Greater Mekong Sub-region. For example, in Lao PDR and Cambodia, there is no proper system to train and test drivers for the license to drive a tractor-trailer combination. Moreover, the driving skill of drivers is still poor, lacks discipline and awareness of safety and eco driving. These leads to inefficient fuel consumption and causes road accidents. Consequently, it increases operational cost for transport and logistic business sector as well as makes high impact to environment.
With this concern, Ministry of Public Works and Transport in Cambodia and Lao PDR together with Green Freight Project jointly organized Training for Trainers on Eco and Defensive Driving. The training aims to increase competency of local trainers of truck drivers to be able to transfer the knowledge and experience to private companies in trucking and logistics sector in their countries.
The training in Cambodia was held in Phnom Penh between 21-23 March with 15 local trainees participated and in Vientiane, Lao PDR between 28-30 March with 10 local trainees participated. The defensive driving course included attitude of safety driving, readiness to drive, safety driving technique, fatigue management and basic vehicle inspection and eco driving course included how to start truck correctly, the effect of engine idle free, how to use gears, clutch and brake in truck effectively, and how to drive up & down steep hill. After the participants learned the theory in the classroom, they took on on-road assessment with the company of the instructors who assessed and evaluated how they applied the theories that they have learned from the class as well as provided advice and recommendations.