Imagine a continent where heavy vehicle drivers are not just skilled, but also champions of road safety and sustainability. That’s the vision driving a groundbreaking initiative in South and Central America, where trainers from across the region gathered for an intensive heavy vehicle driving course. But here’s where it gets even more impactful: this wasn’t just about honing technical skills—it was about fostering a shared commitment to safer, greener roads across Latin America.
Hosted in Argentina at the Rogelio Cavalieri Iribarne Professional Training Center in Escobar, the program was a collaborative effort between FIA Region IV (South and Central America), the Professional Transport Foundation (FPT), and FADEEAC. What makes this initiative stand out? It’s not just about training; it’s about transforming the way freight transport is taught and practiced, with a dual focus on road safety and sustainability.
During the workshop, participants dove into a hands-on learning experience that blended theory, driving simulators, and practical maneuvers in controlled environments. They were equipped with tools to master critical driving skills like attention, anticipation, coordination, reaction, and fatigue management—skills that can literally save lives on the road. And this is the part most people miss: the event also served as a regional hub for knowledge exchange, where representatives from various FIA Clubs shared insights and challenges unique to their countries.
But here’s the controversial part: Can a region with such diverse infrastructure and economic landscapes truly unite under a single vision for sustainable mobility? The answer lies in the collaboration itself. Teams from the Touring y Automóvil Club Paraguayo, Automóvil Club del Ecuador (ANETA), Automóvil Club de Colombia (ACC), Automóvil Club del Uruguay, Touring y Automóvil Club del Perú, Automóvil Club Boliviano, and Automóvil Club de Costa Rica joined forces with FIA Region IV, proving that shared goals can bridge even the widest gaps.
Ricardo Morales Rubio, President of FIA Region IV, emphasized the importance of this unity: “The joint work of FIA Clubs across the region is key to strengthening road safety and professional training in freight transport.” Meanwhile, Sergio Ruppel, President of FPT, highlighted the broader impact: “Hosting this training isn’t just about sharing tools—it’s about learning from each other’s challenges and growing together to improve road safety across South America.”
This partnership with FPT, a regional leader in sustainable freight transport, underscores FIA Region IV’s dedication to professional training and safer, more sustainable mobility. But we want to hear from you: Do you think initiatives like this can truly transform the future of freight transport in Latin America? Or are there deeper systemic challenges that need addressing? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation that drives change.
