The Truck Manufacturers Association, Inc. (TMA) is stepping up its road safety advocacy by supporting the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) National Road Safety Campaign through education and industry collaboration initiatives held during National Road Safety Month.
Among these were a transport cooperative training program and participation in the National Road Safety Summit — both aimed at promoting safer transport operations, improving vehicle safety awareness, and strengthening partnerships across the public and private sectors.
On May 21, TMA joined forces with the DOTr, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) to conduct the National Road Safety Training for members of the Lungsod Silangan Transport Service & Multi-Purpose Cooperative (LSTSMPC) in Antipolo, Rizal.
The training aimed to enhance road safety awareness and improve practical vehicle operation skills among drivers, operators, and mechanics. Participants received guidance on Modern PUV standards, vehicle safety systems, preventive maintenance, basic troubleshooting, pre-drive inspections, and fuel-efficient driving techniques.
According to TMA, road safety extends beyond regulations and infrastructure. The association emphasized the importance of continuous education, vehicle readiness, responsible driving behavior, and industry cooperation in reducing road accidents and improving transport safety.
TMA President Robert Carlos highlighted the collective role of stakeholders in creating safer roads and more dependable transport services. He noted that initiatives such as the training program help equip transport communities with practical knowledge that can improve vehicle readiness and driving discipline.
LTFRB Executive Director Sherwin Vizconde also acknowledged the value of partnerships between government agencies and industry organizations in bringing road safety education directly to transport operators and drivers.
Following the training activity, TMA participated in the National Road Safety Summit on May 26, the culminating event of the National Road Safety Campaign. The summit gathered government agencies, transport groups, automotive organizations, private sector representatives, and road safety advocates to discuss strategies for safer and more sustainable mobility.
Autocar’s Take
Road safety campaigns often focus on enforcement, but education remains one of the most effective tools for reducing accidents. TMA’s participation in the National Road Safety Campaign demonstrates how the private sector can contribute beyond simply providing vehicles. By helping drivers, operators, and mechanics better understand vehicle safety, preventive maintenance, and responsible driving practices, the association is addressing road safety at its roots.
Programs like these may not generate headlines as often as new infrastructure projects, but they can have a lasting impact on transport safety. Building a stronger road safety culture requires exactly this kind of sustained collaboration.
