In a novel initiative that is set to grow, our team in Croatia assigned Tunnel Safety Officer, Ivan Komorcec, to deliver specialised training focused on motorway and tunnel driving safety for learner drivers. The programme took place in two towns near the Zagreb Macelj motorway, Krapina and Zlatar. The sessions attracted 13 students in Krapina, and 14 students in Zlatar, along with their respective instructors.
Participants received educational materials entitled "Safe in the Tunnel", and the most engaged attendees were rewarded with reflective vests, a mandatory component of vehicle safety equipment. The training included compelling video clips demonstrating incorrect highway behaviours such as performing U-turns, as well as dangerous situations to be aware of, like vehicle fires or breakdowns inside tunnels. These clips, sourced from the local team’s CCTV footage, served as powerful visual aids to highlight dos and don'ts when driving on motorways and in tunnels. Attendees were also given a practical demonstration of the importance of visibility for drivers and passengers exiting vehicles on the road. Further resources from Egis were distributed in support of the group-wide Road Safety Campaign taking place that month.
Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, with many noting that the lectures enhanced their understanding of the nuances of motorway and tunnel driving. Participants committed to prioritising safety in the future, especially on motorways and in tunnels. Driving instructors praised the initiative and expressed enthusiasm for continued collaboration through additional lectures, training, and workshops. Building on this momentum, further sessions have since been scheduled for driving schools in Zabok and Stubičke Toplice, to align with new driver training enrolments.
Through this initiative, our Croatian team has highlighted the benefits of sharing knowledge with novice drivers, enabling them not only to learn how to drive but also how to drive safely. Instilling best practices at the outset equips future motorists with the instincts required to navigate roads responsibly and safely.