RoadSafetyUAE and Daimler Truck Middle East Africa hosted a powerful Commercial Road Safety event yesterday at the Daimler Training Center in Dubai’s International Media Production Zone (IMPZ) with both calling on the commercial transport sector to take more responsibility in reducing road traffic fatalities across the region.
With commercial vehicles linked to over a third of all traffic deaths in the UAE, the event brought together key industry figures, fleet customers and technology providers to share insights, data, and solutions to improve road safety performance.
Thomas Edelmann, Founder and Managing Director of RoadSafetyUAE, opened the session with a strong call to action: “We are here to make our voice heard. Every step we take matters.”
Citing official statistics, Edelmann reminded the audience that 34% of traffic fatalities in the UAE involve commercial vehicles. “That is a third of all deaths,” he noted.
Mert Turan, Training Manager at Daimler Truck MEA, led participants on a guided walk-through of the Daimler Training Center, which hosts weekly training sessions for FUSO and Mercedes-Benz Trucks technicians from across the region. “This is where we ensure technical teams are prepared to keep vehicles on the road – and safe,” he said.
Sunil Jaganathan, Head of Service Operations at Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles, Gargash Enterprises issued a reality check to fleet operators: “Every fleet owner thinks they have the best drivers. The reality is that training is essential for all drivers to prevent avoidable failures.”
Technology was also in focus, with Mazen Kalach, Truck Connectivity and Body Builder Manager, showcasing the latest version of Daimler’s Fleetboard system. He explained how its six key services support operational efficiency and proactive maintenance. Kalach also reminded attendees that telematics is now mandatory for fleets in the UAE, with KSA to follow in 2027: “The trucking industry is moving towards smarter solutions and telematics for three reasons – operational efficiency, asset management, and enabling data-driven decisions.”
The session also featured a presentation by Pierre-Olivier Chevalier, Managing Director of D11, who introduced the firm’s in-tyre anti-puncture solution aimed at improving tyre performance and longevity, and in turn, on-road safety.
Chevalier told the audience that its range of heavy-duty, super heavy-duty and universal tubeless tyre sealants can create 60% fewer flats. It is also rated to work in -40 to +92 degrees celicius temperatures.
He added that two months of regional testing with a waste management operation had zero failures: “We think there is huge potential in the region. And huge potential to save lives. Never let a flat tyre stop you again.”
From a commercial perspective, Manuel Steven Samuel, Pricing Manager at Daimler Truck MEA, reflected on the company’s long-term approach to safety integration. “When I started in the CV sector, I wondered why not all trucks had all the safety systems possible,” he said. “Today, we are not just looking at the price of one part, we are looking at the entire ecosystem. Our strategy for keeping trucks safe is about making safety both financially and operationally practical for fleets.”
The event concluded with closing remarks by Fatih Savas, Head of Strategy and Corporate Affairs at Daimler Truck MEA, who captured the core message of the morning: “Better road safety is not possible alone.” He urged greater cooperation between government bodies, fleet owners, manufacturers, and solution providers.
As industry stakeholders mingled at the wrap-up networking session, the shared sentiment was clear: preventing fatalities on the road is a collective responsibility – and it begins with informed decisions, trained personnel, and a commitment to consistent collaboration.
