In response to the growing demand for better road etiquette and safer driving habits in the UAE, the local operations of UPS (NYSE:UPS) are playing a role in the ‘Dubai Road Safety’ campaign. This initiative was launched by the International Association for Human Values (IAHV), humanitarian non-government organization, in association with the Dubai Police, the Roads and Transport Authority and the Dubai Municipality.
From collecting time-sensitive packages from the UPS hub near Dubai airport to delivering them across all the Emirates, UPS service providers spend the majority of their work days on the road ensuring that shipments are delivered to customers on time. Because of this, 50 UPS service providers have taken part in Road Alertness Workshops designed to reduce stress and maintain their composure while driving in a deadline-driven environment.
During the workshops, UPS staff picked up a number of tips on proper breathing techniques, improving focus and concentration, and the benefits of overcoming stress and anger while on the road.
“The Road Safety Campaign was initiated out of a genuine concern for the increasing number of road accidents and fatalities taking place in Dubai. According to police sources, one person dies everyday in local traffic accidents”, said Dr. Prabhakar Rao, chief operating officer of IAHV, Middle East.
“We are pleased to see that a global company like UPS has come forward to support this cause. Being in the logistics business UPS understands the significance of having employees who are well-trained to be safe drivers on the road”, Dr. Rao added.
Participation in the ‘Road Safety’ initiative complements UPS’s global focus on safety and training for its employees. UPS conducts regular workshops for its regional staff on the importance of responsible driving including continuous driver training with the Belhasa Institute of Driving.
“At the time of their induction into our team, drivers receive rigorous training on road safety techniques. Initiatives like the Road Alertness Workshops provide the UPS delivery team with an additional opportunity to practice a calm and composed approach while meeting delivery deadlines,” said John Tansey, General Manager, UPS UAE LLC.
To underline the company’s commitment to road safety in the UAE, UPS encourages the public to report any incidents involving UPS vehicles on 800 4774.
The ‘Road Safety’ campaign is set to conclude in December 2006 and organisers anticipate more than 6,000 drivers overall will participate in its stress-reducing workshops.
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About UPS
UPS is the world’s largest package delivery company and a global leader in supply chain services, offering an extensive range of options for synchronizing the movement of goods, information and funds. Headquartered in Atlanta, USA, UPS serves more than 200 countries and territories worldwide. UPS’s stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange (UPS) and the company can be found on the Web at www.ups.com.
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