The Importance of Secure Group Transportation
The addition of a security driver ensures that clients are safely transported. This can be further enhanced using an escort vehicle and additional operatives should the threat dictate an elevation in security.
Road Traffic Accidents (RTA's) are one of the biggest causes of death in the MENAP region. Overall, the general standard of driving is bad, speeding drivers and using mobile phones is common, drivers show little regard for speed limits, road signs, and consideration for other road users.
Excessive speed, tailgating, and lack of speed/lane discipline by the diverse population, as well as the occasionally diminished visibility due to heavy fog or sand are the most common causes for the more serious accidents.
The growing number of vehicles and continuous construction, strains on the road networks, particularly within the UAE & KSA, is prevalent. Roadways unable to handle the traffic volume, especially during peak traffic times.
Pre-Deployment Vehicle & Driver Checks
Ensuring that you have engaged a reputable company with qualified security drivers is of paramount importance. A security operative will carry out an advance, during this process they will also factor in pre-deployment checks of both the vehicle, and the driver, that both are fully prepared, this will mean that the driver has completed any checklists, and or, any issued standard operating procedure and read them clearly and acknowledged them prior to deployment.
A security driver is responsible for their vehicle, and the safety of those inside the vehicle, the driver is to ensure their vehicle is ready for deployment, but of course we, as agents, cannot just take their word for it, or rely on a checklist which requires a few ticks in some boxes.
A pre-deployment check will include verification of the following;
Driver has completed any required documentation (for example an SOP, and or a checklist).
Driver is well groomed and appropriately dressed.
Driver is fully briefed by agent on expectations, itinerary, and other ‘’need to know’’ information.
Driver is using appropriate navigational tools, such as Carplay, if applicable, and has appropriate applications installed, these may include;
Principals’ bespoke applications, such as music, and or news applications (may also ensure the driver downloads appropriate playlists)
Vehicle has the appropriate baseline amenities, such as;
Small tissues
Hand sanitizer
Surface and hand wipes
Bottled water
Charging cables (fully functional, and appropriate for multiple handsets)
Pens (black and blue)
Portable WI-FI device and fully functional
Ice/cool box
Vehicle inspection, both external and internal.
Agent will also assess the drivers’ skills, and abilities during any advances.
Note, if multiple vehicles are within the entourage, the agent will complete the advance in the lead vehicle, in which the principal will be transported in.
Agent will have and deploy, or purchase principals’ bespoke amenities, these may include;
Principal preferred water
Principal preferred snacks
Charging cables
Tissues/hand wipes
Inspection of any first aid kits, spare wheels, cleaning kits, and tools within the vehicle.
The above is not exhaustive but covers all the points in which SABRE Risk carry out during a pre-deployment of vehicles and drivers on tasks, both within the Middle East and Africa, and further afield.
Members of our team are qualified in advanced driving techniques, including both offensive and defensive driving skills. Members of our team possess several internationally recognized certifications, specific to secure transportation, these include some of the following;
Advanced Driver Training
BTEC Level 3 in Close Personal Protection
Checkpoint and Motorcade Operations
Field Expedient Repairs
FPOSi, FREC 3, and HEFAT
Please contact us to find out how we can support you, and your organization with secure ground transportation within the Middle East and Africa. Our team of experts will happily advise you on both best practice, and proportionate, transparent, and professional recommendations based on your requirements.
operations@sabre-risk.com