Shell commits to road safety compliance

Shell Ghana Limited says it is focusing on improving road safety performance strategy to reduce road traffic accidents among drivers and transporters, its Country Chairman Omar Benson has stated.

“We achieved good results in reduction of personal injuries through the demonstration of increased management commitment and involvement, and development and implementation of comprehensive road safety programmes.”

These safety programmes are based on the international road safety standard which has resulted in decreasing of Shell’s vehicle accident rate during recent times, Mr. Benson disclosed to B&FT in Tema after this year’s drivers and transporters awards ceremony, aimed at recognising outstanding staff for their dedication and good driving performance as well as road traffic safety compliance.

“The Shell Road Safety Programme aims not only to inculcate road safety awareness among drivers and transporters, but also to strengthen road safety compliance - especially within its transporters.”

He explained that Shell has established the ‘First Truck Rest Stop’ to enable the drivers and transporters to have enough relaxation and avoid fatigue during long-distance driving.

The rest stop will also allow it to have full control of the products, drivers and track distribution.
Mr. Augustine Osei-Bonsu, Distribution Manager, explained that Shell Ghana’s Road Safety Programme encompasses a wide range of issues from a comprehensive policy to specific requirements relating to the driver, vehicle and the environment.

A major activity was the development of new training modules, the Voluntary Code of Conduct for Safe Driving signed onto by the company’s drivers and contractors.

“The emphasis on road safety is intended to create a significant shift in driving attitudes, which demonstrates management’s commitment to road safety and stresses the need for continued leadership by management and supervisors for both drivers and transporters.

“The code commits the signatories to 13 basic principles Shell Ghana had drawn up to enhance road safety. The strategy has worked, whereby rate of road accidents among drivers and transport contractors have reduced immensely.”

Mr. Joseph Horgle of J.K Horgle Transport Limited received ‘The Best Shell Transporters Award for 2009’. He was presented with a gold certificate and a trophy among other prizes.
In all, over 75 drivers and transporters were awarded with prizes and certificates.