FedEx Driving Skills Challenge Promotes Good Driving Habits within UAE Universities
FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) and the world’s largest express transportation company, launched a driving skills challenge organized by Ciel Marketing & Events and endorsed by Dubai Police and the Emirates Motor Sports Federation to share safe driving habits among the youth of the UAE.
The awareness campaign was conducted across Dubai-based universities between March17-25. More than 2,000 students from five different universities received interactive lectures and participated in an exciting simulator experience. Eligible students also participated in a driving competition which focused on cautious driving skills rather than speed. A total of six skilled winners, from both male and female categories, were appointed as Road Safety Ambassadors. The universities participating in the program were Higher Colleges of Technology Dubai Women’s Campus, Higher Colleges of Technology Dubai Men’s Campus, BITS Pilani, American University in Dubai and Manipal University.
“At FedEx, road safety is an important aspect not only in our daily operations, but also for the community we live and work in. Every day, more than 75,000 FedEx vehicles are on the road globally sharing the streets with other motorists and pedestrians”, said David Ross, senior vice president, Operations, FedEx Express Middle East, Indian Subcontinent and Africa. “The government has implemented numerous road safety initiatives, but it is also important for companies operating in the UAE to play their part in educating the public by sharing best practices. Over the past 40 years, FedEx has continuously improved the way we operate on the ground, and we are committed to sharing these lessons with the youth of the country.”
“There is a dire need to educate youth about cultivating safe driving habits and instill the need to remain focused on skill rather than speed. We have tailor-made the program to give the students a good balance of theory, visual aids and a competition to help us carry on the program beyond the campus with the help of the Ambassadors, who will be the winners of the FedEx Driving Skills Challenge.” said Roshanara Sait, Director, Ciel Marketing & Events.
Road Safety specialists briefed the students about common causes of accidents, statistics, observation skills, psychology of driving, and how to lower the risk profile. The roll-over experience in a receptive simulator provided additional value by helping the students realize the advantages of wearing seatbelts. The program culminated with the FedEx Driving Skills Challenge competition, which was held at Higher Colleges of Technology Dubai Men's Campus on March 25, 2013 with each university nominating a team of 20 members.
The participants got a taste of the action and exhibited their driving skills at the competition. They also experienced manoeuvres to help improve their car handling abilities, work towards improving their driving techniques and understood the concept of using skill over speed. All participants received a certification of participation endorsed by Dubai Police, and the six chosen FedEx Driving Skills Challenge winners received trophies.