GM training police to drive safely at speed

The South African Police Services’ Flying Squad division is participating in safe driver training this week offered by General Motors South Africa (GMSA).

Over the next two days the Flying Squad will be put through vigorous training to ensure safe driving practices under high speed conditions.

This driving course precedes the handover of three high performance Chevrolet Luminas to the Port Elizabeth Flying Squad later this month.

According to Denise van Huyssteen, GMSA Communications Manager, this handover to the police follows a donation of three 9-3 Aero 2.8 V6 Saab vehicles two years ago. “The Saabs enabled the PE Flying Squad to reach high priority incidents, like cash in transit heists, armed robberies and high jacking anywhere in the city within six minutes,” said Van Huyssteen.

However, the Saabs have worked hard over the past two years averaging 13 000 kilometers per month. Hence, these vehicles will now be replaced with three feisty 6 litre Chevrolet Luminas boasting powerful V8 engines with an output of 270 kw.

Van Huyssteen said the police required greater resources than ever before to address the challenges with crime and vehicles are a vital resource in enabling the Police to perform efficiently. “It is through the involvement of business and other key stakeholders, that we can pool our intellect, resources, capabilities and time, to help make a difference in changing this reality.”