QUERÉTARO, QRO.- The track gleamed in the daylight as the vehicles picked up speed to face the most demanding tests, such as panic braking, evasive maneuvers, and exercises that tested every reflex. Amid turns, precise pauses, and the roar of the tractor-trailers, female operators began the practical phase of the Master in Road Safety , a training program designed to raise the standard of professional operation in the trucking industry
Thus, the asphalt track of the Mexican Transportation Institute (IMT) facilities became the stage for the Master’s Program in Road Safety, organized by the National Association of Private Transportation (ANTP) . The event brought together 18 female drivers from companies such as Bimbo , Pilot , OXXO , and Coca-Cola FEMSA , among others, who put the knowledge acquired during the theoretical phase taught by the ANTP into practice on the track.
The day’s activities aimed to reinforce technical skills and replicate the real-world conditions faced by roadside operators. Following the theoretical portion, the process began with a medical evaluation to ensure everyone was physically and mentally fit for the tests.
Following this, the participants underwent a vehicle safety check and a physical-mechanical inspection designed to identify minimum requirements for safe driving. As they progressed, they also incorporated awareness tools such as “Fatal Vision” goggles, which simulate the effects of intoxication and demonstrate how perception is distorted under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
From there, things got tough: vehicle recognition drills, evasive maneuvers over short distances, panic braking on dry and wet surfaces, merging at intersections, and assisted reversing maneuvers . Each action was evaluated according to criteria of safety, precision, and reaction time.
“The first maneuver is an 80-meter maneuver, where we simulate a vehicle cutting across. This is followed by a 60-meter evasive maneuver, continuing at a sustained speed of 70 kilometers per hour (km/h) to perform a panic braking maneuver on dry pavement from 70 to zero,” explained Luis Ángel Nieto, Transportation Management consultant at Innotran .
From the technical area, Scania Mexico supported the training with trucks equipped for the tests. Víctor Calderilla, a testing specialist, explained to the operators how the retarder works, its operating modes, and best practices to ensure control and stability during maneuvers.
For her part, Adriana Davy, Marketing and Communications Manager for Scania Mexico, highlighted the brand’s pride in participating in this ANTP initiative from the beginning . “For Scania, safety is non-negotiable; that’s why we joined as sponsors from the start. The tests are conducted with a Scania because this demonstrates not only performance, but also safety,” she noted.
Furthermore, she highlighted the importance of promoting the inclusion of women in transportation operations and how programs like these strengthen their presence in a historically male-dominated sector.
The ANTP explained that this Master’s in Road Safety is part of a project that has been in development for more than a year, with the objective of establishing an advanced certification standard for instructors and operators with the highest technical level within companies.
Alex Theissen, president of the ANTP Board of Directors, stressed that Mexico continues to face critical figures in terms of road accidents, so raising the level of training is a strategic priority for the sector
He explained that the Master’s in Road Safety is progressing toward its consolidation as the most robust operational professionalization program in the industry. The ANTP plans to hold 30 events next year and certify at least 450 operators , expanding its reach to affiliated and non-affiliated companies seeking to improve their road safety standards.
In this edition, telemetry also played a key role. Thanks to Motum ‘s support , the vehicles were equipped with cameras to document the operators’ reactions in each maneuver , allowing for the analysis of habits, decisions, and behaviors in risky situations.
With the theory now ingrained and the practical exercises completed, several operators shared that the day left them with a mix of pride, confidence, and renewed responsibility. The maneuvers, technical feedback, and instructor guidance allowed them to confirm their skills, but also to identify areas for improvement. At the end, the presentation of certificates symbolized not only the conclusion of the day, but also the recognition of their commitment to safer, more professional, and more humane transportation.
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