With the support of corporate giant Red Stripe, Grennell’s Driver Safety Training and Services is continuing its campaign to improve public awareness and action on road safety by hosting the second in a series of ‘Crash Free 2023’ workshops.

The event, hosted on April 17 at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel, featured a keynote address from the minister without portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister, Floyd Green, and participation by public and private sector stakeholders in the transport industry.

“In today’s session, you will learn a more practical approach to defensive driving to help prevent crashes and make our roads safer for everyone. After all, driving comes with great responsibility for the safety of oneself and other road users. So, I want to commend Mr Grennell and his team for their dedication to making a difference on the nation’s roads,” Green expressed.

Red Stripe Brand and Corporate Public Relations Manager Stacy-Ann Smith highlighted Red Stripe’s core values of respect for people and the planet and how they align with the company’s continued advocacy for responsible use of the nation’s roads.

“Supporting initiatives such as these defensive driving workshops is one of the many ways in which we are promoting a whole-of-society approach to responsible living. The secret behind our company’s success is a commitment to sustainable behaviour, and responsibility is a big part of that. You cannot manage a business without responsible behaviour. This initiative also complements our Drink and Live Responsibly campaign, where we aim to change the narrative and encourage our people to think responsibly first in every area of their lives,” Smith said.

Event organiser Alphonso Grennell said launching the Defensive Driving Workshop series was primarily influenced by the road fatalities in Jamaica last year and a desire to proactively respond to the call for preventive measures.

“Unfortunately, we experienced 488 road fatalities last year, representing the highest number of Jamaicans who have died through crashes in the last decade. This is why these sessions are needed now more than ever,” noted Grennell. “When people come to our workshop, the aim is for them to be change agents, for not only will they drive defensively, but they will also encourage others to do the same. We have identified that crashes are preventable; therefore, if people are armed with the proper knowledge, tools and mindset, they can drive even better.”

The first Defensive Driving Workshop was hosted in January with 135 participants. The second edition sought to expand the success of the first by adding new sponsors and participants. In addition to the workshop, Red Stripe’s ongoing partnership with Grennell’s to promote responsible road use has included an internal defensive driving training programme for Red Stripe staff to reinforce safe driving habits on and off the job.

“We have recognised the importance of the work done by Mr Grennell and his team, tirelessly promoting this consciousness that goes beyond skills. We were more than happy to agree to this partnership because we want to help raise awareness where it matters most,” affirmed Smith.

The third Defensive Driving Workshop will be hosted in Kingston on June 28 to commemorate Road Safety Awareness Month and will feature an exhibition of companies that specialise in car accessories. The final session will be held on November 29 in Montego Bay.