A stimulated motorcycle safety training held for Grab drivers, under a new programme by AIP Foundation, World Bank, and Grab. — Photo courtesy of AIP Foundation

HÀ NỘI — A comprehensive motorcycle safety programme, implemented by AIP Foundation, in partnership with the World Bank’s Global Road Safety Facility and super-app Grab Vietnam, is aiming to improve awareness and adopt best practices in safe behaviour for Grab drivers.

The new programme contributes to the World Bank’s ‘Innovative Approaches to Improve the Safety of Motorcyclists’ Initiative.

The safety sessions, which took place in the northern province of Vĩnh Phúc (near Hà Nội) and HCM City, aimed to enhance the safety of motorcycle drivers within the ride-hailing industry through the development and delivery of a targeted safety curriculum. The programme follows a structured approach, incorporating both theoretical and practical components designed to improve driver safety, reduce traffic crashes, and promote safe riding practices.

"At Grab, the safety of our driver-partners and passengers is always our top priority. This collaborative initiative demonstrates Grab's commitment and efforts in building a safe, civilised, and sustainable transportation environment in Việt Nam, while also equipping driver-partners with essential knowledge, skills, and support. We hope that, through the programme, Grab driver-partners will have a stronger foundation and greater confidence to operate effectively and complete safe rides with Grab," Head of Central Operations at Grab Vietnam Lý Thụy Bích Huyền said.

The technical content for the sessions incorporated answers from Grab Vietnam drivers via a Training Need Assessment Survey. The topics covered were Defensive Driving Techniques, Manoeuvring Techniques, Traffic Law Compliance and Safe Riding Behaviour, and Practical Application and Reinforcement.

A dynamic, four-session programme was conducted for 140 Grab Vietnam drivers. Expert trainers from Việt Nam’s Ministry of Construction’s Academy of Construction Strategy and Cadres Training, alongside Honda Vietnam, led the initiative. During the sessions, drivers gained fresh knowledge and mastered new skills through hands-on practice at Honda Vietnam’s cutting-edge training centres, simulating real-road scenarios they may face. This programme empowers participants with enhanced safety and expertise to safeguard them and their passengers.

A practical training session for Grab drivers. — Photo from AIP Foundation

This collaborative programme presents a unique and sustainable partnership opportunity that extends beyond immediate training outcomes. By aligning the safety priorities of the World Bank and AIP Foundation, this initiative creates a long-term framework for continuous improvement in driver safety. The programme not only equips drivers with the skills and knowledge to reduce road crashes but also builds the internal capacity of ride-hailing companies to embed these safety practices into their operational models.

The programme further plans to supplement and support ride-hailing platforms in implementing in-depth session activities on traffic safety, especially focusing on practical safe driving skills, in addition to previously conducted training content.

"We are proud to join forces with the World Bank and Grab. This initiative is all about embedding a culture of continuous safety improvement across all relevant groups—from individual drivers who will gain essential skills, to ride-hailing companies like Grab that will integrate safety deeper into their operations, and ultimately benefiting all people and businesses using the transport system. We're building a safer, more responsible transport ecosystem for everyone across Việt Nam," Chief Executive Officer at AIP Foundation said Mirjam Sidik stated.

Road traffic crashes result in approximately 1.2 million fatalities every year and are the largest cause of death for young people aged 5 to 29 globally. Despite having only 60 per cent of the world’s registered vehicles, low- and middle-income countries account for 92 per cent of road deaths around the world.

Motorcycles continue to be a high-risk travel mode, with an estimated 3.4 million deaths from motorcycle crashes globally between 2008 and 2020. The 2023 Global Road Safety Status Report, published by the World Health Organization, highlights that nearly 21 per cent of all road traffic fatalities reported in the survey involve powered two- and three-wheelers, such as motorcycles, mopeds, or scooters. In countries like Việt Nam, commercial motorcyclists with their rising proportion and lengthy time on the road are exposed to a higher risk compared to private-use motorcyclists. — VNS