Lusaka, Zambia – 19 May 2023
Puma Energy Zambia continues to prioritise road safety through the implementation of a comprehensive Road Safety Programme aimed at creating awareness and promoting best-in-class driving behaviours among its tanker drivers. In recognising the critical importance of road safety in safeguarding lives and promoting responsible driving, this initiative has changed the transportation industry by significantly reducing violations, improving driver behaviour, and aligning transporters with Puma Energy’s stringent road safety standards. These drivers play a crucial role in the transportation of petroleum products across the country, and their adherence to strict safety protocols is of utmost importance.
One of the key components of the Road Safety Programme is the installation of an In Vehicle Monitoring System (IVMS) in all transporter tanker trucks. This advanced technology enables real-time monitoring of driver performance, allowing Puma Energy to effectively curb violations such as over-speeding and night driving. By leveraging IVMS, the company has successfully improved driver behaviour and created a safer working environment for its transporters.
Through comprehensive training, education, and ongoing monitoring, the Road Safety Programme creates a strong safety culture among Puma Energy’s tanker drivers. It promotes best practices and instills a sense of responsibility and professionalism within the workforce. As a result, violations have significantly decreased, enhancing road safety and ensuring compliance with Puma Energy’s standards.The performance of tanker drivers does not go unnoticed. Puma Energy Zambia acknowledges and rewards Platinum drivers who consistently exhibit exceptional driving skills and adherence to safety protocols. These drivers are honoured through awards, highlighting their contributions to road safety. The Programme serves as a platform for regular engagement and collaboration between Puma Energy Zambia and its transporters. It provides an opportunity to convene and discuss key learnings, exchange knowledge, and collectively work towards building a stronger safety culture within the industry.
Puma Energy’s Road Safety Programme extends beyond Zambia, and is currently also operational in Botswana, Ghana, Malawi, Tanzania and Zimbabwe. By implementing this comprehensive initiative across multiple regions, Puma Energy is contributing to the enhancement of road safety standards and positively impacting communities and road users throughout Africa.
“We are immensely proud of the success and impact of our Road Safety Programme,” said Patricio Chababo, Managing Director of Puma Energy Zambia. “Through this initiative, we have witnessed significant improvements in driver behaviour, a reduction in violations, and the establishment of a strong safety culture. We remain committed to our vision of fostering a responsible and secure transportation ecosystem, safeguarding lives, and driving positive change within the industry.”
The Global Plan for the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030, which was developed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the United Nations (UN) Regional Commissions, in cooperation with partners in the United Nations Road Safety Collaboration and other stakeholders, is a guiding document to support the implementation of the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021–2030 and its objectives. WHO, in collaboration with partners, organises periodic UN Global Road Safety Weeks. For 2023, the 7th UN Global Road Safety Week, which runs from the 15th to 21st May, focuses on sustainable transport, in particular the need to shift to walking, cycling and using public transport. Road safety is both a prerequisite for and an outcome of this shift.
*Across the globe, road traffic accidents account for nearly 1.35 million deaths and around 50 million non-fatal injuries per year. A large proportion of these occur in low- and middle-income countries; in particular Africa. In Sub-Sahara Africa, the mortality caused by road traffic Injury rate (per 100,000 population) is more than 3 times higher compared to high income countries (27.4 vs 8.4). In the Sustainable Development Goals, world leaders have committed to halve the number of deaths from road crashes by 2020; however, to date far too little progress has been made towards this goal.
In Zambia, road traffic deaths and injuries represent a serious and rapidly worsening public health crisis. The number of road traffic accidents have almost doubled in the past twenty years. **In 2021, a total of 32,396 road traffic accidents were recorded in Zambia, which resulted in 2,163 fatalities and 5,307 serious injuries. The number of road traffic deaths increased by 28% from 1,690 in 2020. 66% of the road traffic deaths were among vulnerable road users, which includes pedestrians (49%), motorcyclists (12%) and pedal cyclists (5%) who comprise the category of vulnerable road users whose road safety needs have not been adequately catered for in road designs. Human error is the leading contributory factor to road traffic accidents and accounted for 87.85% of accidents. Other factors included motor vehicle defects (1.25%), road defects (0.32%), weather condition (0.18%), wandering animals (1.14%) and cause not traced (5.4%). Road traffic injury is the leading cause of death for people aged between 5 and 29 years. Puma Energy Zambia’s Road Safety Programme exemplifies the company’s dedication to the well-being of its employees, transporters, and the wider community. By championing awareness, leveraging technology, recognising excellence, and fostering collaboration, Puma Energy Zambia is contributing to creating a safer and more responsible road transport environment.
