17 August 2023
Guatemala's road infrastructure presents significant challenges, with a defective road system that frequently experiences mudslides during the rainy season and requires Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ vehicles to navigate dirt roads. This environment resulted in more than 1,500 reported vehicular accidents in 2022 alone, a startling statistic when considering the 20,271 drives executed by the United Nations Agencies, Funds, and Programs (AFPs) throughout the country that same year. In response, the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵDSS) for both Guatemala and Belize took a proactive step by organizing a specialized training to bolster the driving capabilities of the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ staff.
Titled "Off-Road Skills Course: Enhancing 4x4 Driving in Adverse Environments," the driving training took place on Thursday, 20 July 2023. Following the United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety Campaign, the event had a total attendance of 28 drivers from the United Nations System (Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵS) in Guatemala and eight drivers from Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵS Belize. These participants underwent rigorous training with professional instructors, learning about crucial topics that ranged from basic mechanical inspection and maintenance to understanding the intricate dynamics of four-wheel drive systems. The comprehensive approach ensured drivers were equipped to navigate the rugged terrains of both countries with heightened confidence and expertise.
The training not only safeguards the well-being of Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ personnel but also enhances the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ's operational efficiency and outreach amidst the challenging environment in Guatemala and Belize. Reflecting on this experience, Mr. Herson Estrada, with approximately 10 years of driving service in the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵS from Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵDCO Guatemala, stated, "This has been one of the most challenging and interesting opportunities to drive in complex situations and conditions. I strongly recommend to all my colleagues the importance of receiving this type of training. Being prepared for events in the field and having the expertise greatly minimizes risks."
As forecasts indicate a sustained, if not increased, frequency of Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ drives in 2023, such efforts become even more vital. Moving forward, Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵDSS is committed to rolling out comparable programs to further bolster road safety and efficiency.