The second edition of Fit2Drive Driver education and wellness campaign meant to promote and enhance the physical and mental well-being of commercial vehicle drivers in the country has been launched in Accra.
It is an initiative of Vivo Energy Ghana, in partnership with the National Road Safety Authority, Vivo Energy Ghana Transporters and Hollard Ghana.
It was under the theme ‘Your Health Your Wealth’
Participating drivers of the launch benefited from free health screening exercise to maintain optimal health and safety standards on the road.
The Managing Director of Vivo Energy Ghana, Mr Jean -Michel Arlandis, said the well-being of commercial drivers was paramount not only for their personal health, but also the safety and success of their operations.
He said although the demands of the job could take a toll on the health and wellness of drivers, the programme was designed to promote holistic wellness and instil a sense of responsibility and awareness among commercial drivers.
Mr Arlandis announced plans by his company to liaise with various transport unions to organise fitness sessions for drivers at selected bus terminals to enhance drivers’ physical and mental well-being in order to reduce the risk of accidents caused by fatigue or health-related issues.
The Acting Director General of the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA), Mr David Osafo Adonteng, has cautioned drivers against careless driving ahead of the December 7 general election.
He observed that drivers were found of driving carelessly during elections which most times leads to road crashes and fatalities.
“We are happy and ready to work with Vivo Energy Ghana anytime any day for bringing such a remarkable and worth emulating initiative to help drivers and the Citizenry,” he added.
He further pointed out that some risk conditions such as hypertension and diabetes were the primary causes of road accidents in the country.
He then urged drivers to be sensitive to their health and encouraged them to seek regular and timely medical attention to avert any unforeseen health issues on the road.
The Central Motor Transport and Traffic Directorate (MTTD) Assistant Commander, Superintendent Joseph Appiah, charged the drivers to take regular eye check-ups and rest to regain their energy before embarking on further trips.
He urged them to comply with road safety regulations to avoid any crashes on the road and issues with the law.
The Head of Neoplan Branch in Accra branch 4, Nene Asempa III, admonished commercial drivers to seek regular check-ups at approved health centres to be informed of their health status for safe driving.
He noted that it was of utmost importance for commercial vehicle drivers to be mindful of their health conditions and build a healthy lifestyle to safeguard the safety of road users.
BY PRECIOUS NYARKO BOAKYE