New Zealand Defence Force
Te Ope Kaatua O Aotearoa

Media Release
11 March 2005

Precautionary measures for Unimog Driver Training

As a precaution the New Zealand Army has initiated an Army-wide modification to the ratio of supervisors to students during Unimog specific driver training. Effective immediately, in each Unimog cab, two students will be accompanied by either an Army driving instructor or an experienced supervisor/mentor at all times.

Prior to this modification a student driver received initial driver training at a ratio of one driving instructor per two students until they gained their heavy transport licence (Class 2). The ratio then changed to one driving instructor supervising up to five students as the students gained further experience on the vehicle.

"We have implemented this driver training modification on initial advice from the Court of Inquiry currently investigating the Unimog accident that occurred near Cromwell on 23 February. This will remain extant until the wider driver training review confirms exactly the approach we will take for the future," said Colonel Burnett, Commander of the Army Training Group.

The next Unimog driver training course is scheduled for April.

ENDS

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