(Monrovia Liberia, January 30, 2025)—as part of efforts to improve road safety among Ministry of Health’s (MOH) drivers, 85 drivers participated in a three-day intensive training at the Ministry of Health in Congo Town. Implemented by Road Safety Action International (RSAI) in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport (MoT) and the Liberia National Police (LNP), the training aimed to equip government drivers with the necessary skills and knowledge to reduce road accidents and ensure safer transportation of government personnel. A team of road safety experts from RSAI, MoT, LNP, and the Ministry of Health’s Emergency Medical Response Unit is facilitating the sessions. These experts provide hands-on practical training, case study analysis, and simulated emergency response exercises to enhance the driver’s situational awareness and preparedness for real-world scenarios. Highlighting the importance of road safety education in reducing Liberia’s high rate of traffic accidents, this training aligns with the objectives of the Decade of Action for Road Safety (2021-2030), which seeks to halve road traffic deaths and injuries by 2030. Public institution drivers, particularly those in the health sector, play a critical role in emergency response and patient transportation. As such, improving their driving skills and adherence to road safety regulations is crucial for the effective delivery of healthcare services. Key topics covered were road safety, including understanding traffic laws and regulations, safe driving ethics, emergency response procedures, and the importance of vehicle maintenance. Additionally, drivers are trained on the risks associated with road accidents and how to mitigate them through defensive driving techniques. Special attention was given to the safety of vulnerable road users, including pedestrians and motorcyclists.
A team of road safety experts from RSAI, MoT, LNP, and the Ministry of Health’s Emergency Medical Response Unit is facilitating the sessions. These experts provide hands-on practical training, case study analysis, and simulated emergency response exercises to enhance the driver’s situational awareness and preparedness for real-world scenarios. The three-day training ended with a certification ceremony, where key government officials and stakeholders acknowledged participants’ efforts and discussed strategies for sustaining the gains achieved. The Ministry of Health believes the safety of its drivers directly impacts healthcare delivery. Trained drivers are expected to respond efficiently to emergencies, transport medical personnel and supplies safely, and reduce delays caused by preventable accidents. The ministry is also reinforcing policies that mandate routine vehicle checks and driver compliance with road safety regulations. Participants are currently undergoing a post-training assessment to evaluate the effectiveness of the program. The assessment will help identify areas for further improvement and ensure that the training leads to measurable impacts on driver performance. This training is part of a broader effort by the Liberian government to strengthen road safety measures and promote responsible driving behavior. By investing in driver education, the government hopes to reduce road traffic fatalities, improve public perception of government transportation services, and set a standard for safe driving practices in Liberia.