Enhancing Safe Driving, Preparing Drivers for Nighttime Tourism
Diageo Moet Hennessy (Thailand) or DMHT, a leader in premium alcoholic beverages, is expanding its Don't Drink and Drive initiative under Wrong Side of the Road Project to support the government's policy allowing entertainment venues to operate until 4 AM. DMHT has organized the Don't Drink and Drive training for 100 taxi drivers in Bangkok and surrounding areas. The initiative aims to enhance knowledge and understanding, preparing taxi drivers to provide safe services to passengers and campaigning against drunk driving.
The training covers basic knowledge about alcohol, its effects on the body and mind, regulations and culture of safe driving, and the dangers of drunk driving, presented through an e-learning platform featuring real-life examples. This activity is designed to increase taxi drivers' knowledge and skills, improving the quality of their services and ensuring passengers reach their destinations safely. It also builds confidence among passengers, especially tourists at nightlife venues who want to avoid drinking and driving.
Mr. Kengkran Louvirojanakul, Corporate Relations Director at Diageo Moet Hennessy (Thailand), stated: "For over 10 years, DMHT has been committed to promoting responsible drinking and campaigning against drunk driving in Thailand. This commitment is also part of our 10-year sustainability plan, 'SOCIETY 2030: SPIRIT OF PROGRESS'. Our objective is to create a culture of responsible drinking in Thai society, which will help reduce the dangers and accidents caused by drunk driving in the long-term. Providing accurate knowledge about alcohol is crucial as it helps consumers and other target groups to be aware and consume alcohol appropriately in various environments. DMHT is pleased to extend this training to taxi drivers in Bangkok and its vicinity, preparing them for passenger service in support of the government's tourism promotion policy. This measure will contribute to economic development while ensuring public safety from road accidents."
Mr. Natthawat Ungapakul, a taxi driver attended the training, expressed his gratitude, saying: "I am very grateful to DMHT for this training. It shows that a company distributing alcoholic beverages is also socially responsible. In my profession as a taxi driver, I encounter various types of passengers. Some are so drunk that they cannot even tell me their address correctly. This training is very beneficial in preparing me to handle situations with passengers who have been drinking. It also allows me to share the knowledge I have gained to promote responsible drinking in Thai society. Additionally, it prepares us for the government's policy of extending entertainment venue hours to 4 AM, which will help boost the country's economy."
DMHT strongly hopes that the "Don't Drink and Drive" training will create a culture of responsible drinking for both individuals and society. This initiative aims to improve the quality of public transportation services and build confidence among taxi users, especially those using the service at night, contributing to the simultaneous development of the economy, tourism, and a safer society.