Insight newsletter– August 2011 Edi-
Insight ...Knowing a little about everything
FRSC Nigeria: strongly committed to the UN Decade of Action Volume 1, Issue 8
Inside this issue:
3
Inter with Asochukwu (DRC)
Google‘s Driveless Car
11
PULHHEEMS
13
Driving & Vision
20
Checklist for driving test
23
Many More
EDITORIAL BOARD
GOOGLE‘S DRIVELESS CAR
Publisher: Osita Chidoka Corps Marshal/Chief Executive Editor–In–Chief:OC Oladele (DCC) Editor: KD Alegieuno (ARC) Members: VO Ogunnupebi
(ACC)
AR Obagbemiro
(SRC)
CB Nwokolo
ARC)
DO Enakireru
(ARC)
0I Ikoku
(ARC)
The PULHHEEMS is a system of grading physical and mental fitness used by British Armed Forces.
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH ASO CHUKWU (DRC)
Insight newsletter- August Edition
FROM THE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
trebuchet. The Chameleon's tongue extends faster than the human eyes can follow, at about 26 body lengths per second Have
you
wondered
ever where
the Chameleon ‗s 48 inches tongue, which twice
measures as
the
length of a chameleon resides in the animal?. God craftically created the chameleon's tongue to coil inside its mouth in the shape of a catapult similar to the French‘s 2
and can hit the prey at about 30 thousandths of a second. Although created without a natural eye, apart from its capacity to change seamlessly to the colour of the environment, the chameleon's speed in catching a prey is amazingly said to be faster than the take off speed of a rocket. There is certainly a
lesson ,the FRSC of the future that wants to perform optimally, can learn from the speed of the chameleon‘s tongue. Steve Jobs the retiring CEO of Apple Inc, USA, manufacturer of iPad learnt this lesson. We continued in this edition the inspiring story of how Apple Inc that was almost bankrupt 20 yrs ago has now through iPad becomes the world‘s most valuable company. Grossing nearly $1trillion, Apple has valued more than companies like Exxon Mobil,
Insight newsletter- August Edition
QUOTABLE QUOTES ON FROM THE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Chevron, Halliburton and Microsoft. You can also read in this edition goggle‘s story on why you may not need a driver again to drive a car. If you are still wondering about the possibility of such ‗‘crazy idea‘‘, you will find out in this edition how the designers of the car have commenced lobbying the US Senate to make legislation on allowing the use of the car on American highways . Have you ever failed drivers 3
License test before?. Do not worry as you prepare to attend the next drivers examination for obtaining a drivers license, this edition will guide you into the secrets of what the examiner would assess you on.
ROAD SAFETY
Accidents hurt - safety doesn't. The door to safety swings on the hinges of common sense. Know safety, no crash. No safety, know crash. Prepare and prevent, don't repair and repent Road sense is the offspring of courtesy and the parent of safety.
PULHHEEMS , that term you always find in your APER form, filled by the medical officer, is explained in detail in this edition, and several other interesting stories. Happy reading.
Maud van Buren Safety is as simple as ABC - Always Be Careful. We now have unshakable conviction that accident causes are man-made and that a manmade problem can be solved by men and women of proven integrity. ~W.H. Cameron Chance takers are accident makers.
Insight newsletter- August Edition
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH ASO CHUKWU DAMIAN (DRC) Information Technology is a fundamental
factor
to
rapid
organisational
growth and development in our society today. In a bid to become a world class organisation, FRSC has embraced the use of information technology as one of the key elements to achieving its mission. Recently, Insight crew had an interview with one of the officers who works in the ICT Unit of the Corps, a young man with unparalleled computer based knowledge. He obliged the interview as he was about jetting to China as part of Nigeria's delegation on cyber security. Here is the excerpt of the interview. I.N: May we meet you? AD: My name is Asochukwu Damian from Ihiala in Anambra State I.N: Tell us about your educational background including your professional qualification? AD: I have a Bachelor and Masters degrees in Computer Science from the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. I have System Administrator, and Microsoft Professional certificates from NIIT. I also have Oracle SQL certificate from Digital Bridge Institute . IN: we understand that you are an expert in IT, what is your area of expertise?
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AD: I am into System Administration using Microsoft platforms; I do application development; I do hardware maintenance and repairs I.N: What is your role in ICT? AD: I am part of some of the teams in ITC like: software development, maintenance, system administration. I also work with other teams if need arises. I.N: What are the effects of ICT to the overall goal of the Corps? AD: ITC is the arm of the Corps that practices ICT (Information and Communication Technology). ITC is naturally a support arm of the Corps in terms of ICT, it enhances and makes more efficient the jobs of all the operational arms of the Corps. The Corps has as one of its goals to be a world-class organisation and that is
Insight newsletter– August Edition
EXCLUSIVE EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW INTERVIEW WITH WITH ASO CHUKWU DAMIAN (DRC)
and Partnership Department in gathering and storing the records of Special Marshals. I was also involved in the application used by the Store Unit to help track, store inventory and control. IN; Since the Corps is at the verge of becoming a world class organisation that is technology driven, what advise do you have for the Corps? why it is going with standards set by ISO. You can agree with me that only ICT can drive us to that point. Today one can check if his driver‘s licence is genuine or not by simply going to FRSC official website; he can also apply right there for renewal, and so on simply because of ICT. The effects are everywhere. IN: what training have you attended? AD: I was part of the team that was trained in US by L1 Secure Credentialing of USA to man the new drivers‘ licence scheme IN: We heard that you developed some applications for the Corps, what are these applications? AD: I was part of the software team that developed an application to assist the Driving School Standardization Programme. The application helps to capture and store data from registered driving schools in the country. I was also involved in the application currently in use by the Special Marshals
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AD: ICT is a practice that has not been taken very seriously before the year 2007. It came with full force from middle part of 2007, some members of the Corps are yet to appreciate the real concept. They see it like it has come to take their schedules, but alas, it is only meant to enhance our productivity. I will in my humble opinion advise that any part of the Corps that is yet to welcome ICT should wake up now, embrace it so they will reap the benefits that come with it. However, that‘s the only way we can achieve the dream of a worldclass organisation IN: One of the Corps‘ 2011 strategic goals is to improve the use of technology platform, What can be done to achieve this by all dept and corps offices? AD: The Corps has various departments and corps offices that do one thing or the other; everyone of them requires migrating its activities to a supporting technological platform,
Insight newsletter– August Edition
EXCLUSIVE EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW INTERVIEW WITH WITH ASO CHUKWU DAMIAN (DRC) but the members of the offices may not be that technologically inclined to know what platform to migrate to. I advise that these offices should draw closer to the ICT group so they will be guided more appropriately so we can get there . I.N: How do you feel when you have to come to work especially during public holidays and weekends? AD: It is not an easy experience but we don‘t have choices but to come. It will be appreciated if the management of the Corps will see this the way you see it and make the experience more enjoyable I.N: What are the challenges you face in your job? AD: You just asked how we feel coming to work at odd days and hours, that‘s part of it. ICT related issues are not like ‗this is the way it is, go get it done‘ a task you envisage will take an hour could keep you for days with complications coming as a result of your trying to solve an issue. Your boss does not need to know your challenges; he wants good and positive results which you must provide whether you work late or during weekends I.N: Where again have you worked before coming to ITC? AD: I worked briefly in CPEO, then PRS I.N: Who is your role model?
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AD: My role model is the present Corps Marshal and Chief Executive (Osita Chidoka) I see with him an achievement that is uncommon in this part of the world. He is a bundle of intelligence, vigour and great drive which is what every young man should emulate I.N: How will you want to see the Corps in the next 100 years from now? AD: An organisation that is a reference point, that others will look forward to emulating I.N: What advice do you have for upcoming programmers? AD: It is a worthwhile endeavour. Though it is brain-tasking but it is good I.N: Are you married? AD: Yes I.N: What are your hobbies? AD: I love to read, teach, play football and other games that promote physical fitness
Insight newsletter- August Edition
FUEL EFFICIENCY
0I Ikoku (ARC)
Cont. from last month’s edition European-built cars are generally more fuel-efficient than American vehicles. While Europe has many higher efficiency diesel cars, European gasoline vehicles are on average also more efficient than gasoline-powered vehicles in the USA. Most European vehicles cited in the CSI study run on diesel engines, which tend to achieve greater fuel efficiency than gas engines. Selling those cars in the United States is difficult because of emission standards, notes Walter McManus, a fuel economy expert at the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute. ―For the most part, European diesels don‘t meet U.S. emission standards,‖ McManus said in 2007. Another reason why many European models are not marketed in the United States is that labor unions object to having the big 3 import any new foreign built models regardless of fuel economy while laying off workers at home. An interesting example of European
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cars' capabilities of fuel economy is the microcar Smart Fortwo cdi, which can achieve up to 3.4 l/100 km (69.2 mpg US) using a turbocharged threecylinder 41 bhp (30 kW) Diesel engine. The two is produced by Daimler AG and is currently only sold by one company in the United States. Furthermore, the current (and to date already 10 year old) world record in fuel economy of production cars is held by the Volkswagen Group, with special production models (labeled "3L") of the Volkswagen Lupo and the Audi A2, consuming (NEDC ratified) as little as 2.99 litres of diesel fuel per 100 kilometres (78 miles per US gallon or 94 miles per Imperial gallon). Diesel engines generally achieve greater fuel efficiency than petrol (gasoline) engines. Passenger car diesel engines have energy efficiency of up to 41% but more typically 30%, and petrol engines of up to 37.3%, but more typically 20%. That is one of the reasons why diesels have better fuel efficiency than equivalent petrol cars. A common margin is 25% more miles per gallon for an efficient turbodiesel. For example, the current model Skoda Octavia, using Volkswagen engines, has a combined European fuel efficiency of 41.3 mpg for the 105 bhp (78 kW) petrol engine and 52.3 mpg for the 105 bhp (78 kW) — and heavier — diesel engine. The higher compression ratio is helpful in raising the energy efficiency, but diesel fuel also contains approximately
Insight newsletter– August Edition
FUEL EFFICIENCY
0I Ikoku (ARC)
10% more energy per unit volume than gasoline which contributes to the reduced fuel consumption for a given power output. T R A N S P O R T A T I O N FUEL EFFICIENCY IN TRANSPORTATION Fuel efficiency directly affects emissions causing pollution by affecting the amount of fuel used. However, it also depends on the fuel source used to drive the vehicle concerned. Cars can, for example, run on a number of fuel types other than gasoline, such as natural gas, LPG or biofuel or electricity which creates various quantities of atmospheric pollution. A kilogram of carbon, whether contained in petrol, diesel, kerosene, or any other hydrocarbon fuel in a vehicle, leads to approximately 3.63 kg of CO2 emissions. Due to the carbon content of gasoline, its combustion emits 2.32 kg/L (19.4 lb/US gal); since diesel fuel is more energy dense per unit volume, diesel emits 2.66 kg/L (22.2 lb/ US gal). This figure is only the CO2 emissions of the final fuel product and does not include additional CO2 emissions created during the drilling, pumping, transportation and refining steps required to produce the fuel. Additional measures to reduce overall emission includes improvements to the efficiency of air conditioners, lights and tires.
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D R I V I N G T E C H N I Q U E Many tips are available from various government and local sources to help drivers improve their fuel efficiency. There is a growing community of enthusiasts known as hypermilers who develop and practice driving techniques to increase fuel efficiency and reduce consumption. Hypermilers have broken records of fuel efficiency, for example, achieving 109 miles per gallon in a Prius. In non-hybrid vehicles these techniques are also beneficial. Hypermiler Wayne Gerdes can get 59 MPG in a Honda Accord and 30 MPG in an Acura MDX. The most efficient machines for converting energy to rotary motion are electric motors, as used in electric vehicles. However, electricity is not a primary energy source so the efficiency of the electricity production has also to be taken into account. Currently railway trains can be powered using electricity, delivered through an additional running rail, overhead catenary system or by on-board generators used in diesel-electric locomotives as common on the UK rail network. Pollution produced from centralised generation of electricity is emitted at a distant power station, rather than "on site". Some railways, such as the French SNCF and Swiss federal railways derive most, if not 100% of their power, from hydroelectric or nuclear power stations, therefore atmospheric pollution from their rail networks is very low. This was reflected in a study by AEA Technology between a Eurostar train and airline journeys between
Insight newsletter– August Edition
FUEL EFFICIENCY
0I Ikoku
London and Paris, which showed the trains on average emitting 10 times less CO2, per passenger, than planes, helped in part by French nuclear generation. This can be changed using more renewable sources for electric generation. In the future hydrogen cars may be commercially available. Powered either through chemical reactions in a fuel cell that create electricity to drive very efficient electrical motors or by directly burning hydrogen in a combustion engine (near identically to a natural gas vehicle, and similarly compatible with both natural gas and gasoline); these vehicles promise to have near zero pollution from the tailpipe (exhaust pipe). Potentially the atmospheric pollution could be minimal, provided the hydrogen is made by electrolysis using electricity from nonpolluting sources such as solar, wind, or hydroelectricity. In any process, it is vitally important to account for all of the energy used throughout the process. Thus, in addition to the energy cost of the electricity or hydrogen production, we must also account for transmission and/or storage losses to support large-scale use of such vehicles. For this reason the use of the idea "zero pollution" should be avoided.
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MANY PEOPLE AROUND THE WORLD DIE IN MOTORCYCLE COLLISIONS....WHY ARE HELMETS NEEDED? BY CB NWOKOLO ARC
Cont. from last month’s edition These are helmets specifically designed for South Asian and South-East Asian countries with extremely hot and humid climates. They are actually half-head helmets with ventilation holes to provide a maximum flow of air so as to reduce the heat. Their extreme lightness of weight is achieved by using semi-rigid vacuum-forming PVC material. Helmet use is effective at reducing head injuries Wearing a helmet is the single most effective way of reducing head injuries and fatalities resulting from motorcycle and bicycle crashes. Motorcyclists who do not wear helmets are at a much higher risk of sustaining head injuries and from dying from these injuries. In addition, riders who do not wear helmets place additional costs on hospitals, while the disability that results from these head injuries incurs costs at an individual, family (or carer) and societal level. Systematic reviews have been published examining the effectiveness of both motorcycle helmets and bicycle helmets. The review on motorcycle helmets included 53 studies, and summarized the current available evidence on helmets and their impact on mortality, as well as on head, face and neck injuries, following motorcycle crashes. Table below provides a summary of the main results of this review.
Insight newsletter– August Edition
MANY PEOPLE AROUND THE WORLD DIE IN MOTORCYCLE COLLISIONS....WHY ARE HELMETS NEEDED?
Summary of systematic review of effectiveness of motorcycle Helmets Not wearing a Helmet Increases the risk of sustaining a head injury Increases the severity of head injuries Increases the time spent in hospital
Wearing a Helmet Decreases the risk and severity of injuries by about 71%
Decreases the cost of health care associated with crashes Increases the likelihood of dying from Decreases the likelihood of death by a head injury up to 39%, with the probability depending on the speed of the motorcycle involved Source: Liu B et al. Helmets for preventing injury in motorcycle riders. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2005(4).
The following are the main conclusions of this research: Motorcycle helmets reduce the risk of mortality and head injury in motorcycle riders who crash, although the effect on death may be modified by other factors surrounding the crash, such as the speed which the motorcyclist was travelling as at when the crash occurred. Crashes at higher speeds may result in multiple injuries likely to cause death, regardless of how well the head is protected. There was not enough evidence to determine the effect of motorcycle helmets on face or neck injuries, although some studies suggest that helmets have no effect on the risk of neck injuries but are protective for face injuries. There was insufficient evidence to demonstrate whether differences in helmet types (full-face versus open-face) confer more or less advantage in injury reduction. Further research should be conducted to determine the effectiveness (and cost effectiveness) of different helmet types – especially those used in low-income and middle-income countries – on mortality and on head, neck and face injuries.
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Insight newsletter– August Edition
MANY PEOPLE AROUND THE WORLD DIE IN MOTORCYCLE COLLISIONS....WHY ARE HELMETS NEEDED?
Increasing motorcycle helmet use in countries where such use has been low is likely to dramatically reduce head injury and death. Policy-makers would do well to consider measures to increase helmet use, such as legislation for compulsory helmet use and its enforcement, along with community education campaigns.
Summary The risk of being injured or killed in a traffic collision is much higher for motorcycle users than for users of four-wheeled vehicles. Motorcycle users make up a high proportion of overall traffic injuries and death, particularly in low-income and middle-income countries, where motorcycle ownership is high.
Injuries to the head and neck are the main causes of death, severe injury and disability among users of motorcycles and bicycles. In some countries head injuries are estimated to account for up to 88% of such fatalities. Helmets aim to reduce the risk of serious head and brain injuries by reducing the impact of a force or collision to the head. The correct use of a helmet considerably decreases the risk and severity of head injuries. Programmes that set and enforce mandatory helmet legislation are effective increasing helmet-wearing rates and thus reducing head injuries and fatalities. There is strong international support for helmet-wearing programmes.
References
1. Peden M et al, eds. World report on road traffic injury prevention. Geneva: World Health Organization, 2004 (www.who.int/world-health-day/2004/infomaterials/world_report/en/, accessed 4 July 2006). 2. Koornstra M et al. Sunflower: a comparative study of the development of road safety in Sweden, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. Leidschendam, SWOV (Institute for Road Safety Research), 2003. 3. Mohan D. Traffic safety and health in Indian cities. Journal of Transport and Infrastructure, 2002, 9:79–94. 4. Traffic Safety Facts. Motorcycle helmet laws. Washington, D.C., National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2004 (www.nhtsa.dot.gov/people/injury/New-fact-sheet03/MotorcycleHelmet. pdf, accessed 4 July 2006). Turn to page 23
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Insight newsletter– August Edition
GOOGLE‘S DRIVELESS CAR
Imagine that you find yourself in your car on a pleasurable ride down a busy road. You alone. Only that this time you are not on the wheel! In fact, you are on the passenger‘s seat watching a documentary on your ipad while the car is cruising at 60km/ hr? Hard to believe? Google is saying it is no longer imagination but soon to be reality as it has already extensively tested driver-less cars. Google is nearly ready to introduce the driver-less, remotely controlled cars into the market. Google declares that with the fuel efficient driver-less cars there would be fewer accidents. Further these cars are always controlled remotely by a human operator. After conducting field tests for 140,000 miles, Google, in Nevada, U.S.A, is lobbying for a legislation that permits it to run driverlesscars. The Assembly has allowed the bill with a couple of amendments. The first which permits testing and licensing of such cars has been passed. The second which is to permit the person in the driver‘s seat to text or use his phone is in debate. Sebastian Thrun, a Professor of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering at Stanford University helped build Google's amazing driverless car, powered by a very personal quest to save lives and
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Google driveless car reduce traffic accidents. Sebastian who is also the Director of the Stanford AI Lab is a researcher whose research focuses on robotics and artificial intelligence. Innovators are unhappy,‖ he said. ―They feel the pain of an unsolved problem and ask what can I do about it? And what can I get other people to do about it?‖ ―Sebastian‘s pain is personal: When he was growing up in Germany, a car accident Killed a childhood friend, and last November, another accident claimed the life of a co-worker. ―Both crashes were avoidable,‖ the scientist said.
Google driveless car
Insight newsletter– August Edition
GOOGLE‘S DRIVELESS CAR
These have necessitated him to develop unmanned robotic cars that drive more safely. "I'm in service of humanity," he said. In 2005, Sebastian Thrun, led the winning team in the government's $2 million DARPA challenge. His vehicle drove itself across the 132-mile desert racecourse. Afterward, he hired two of his competitors to join him at Google and take their work to the street. So far, their unmanned vehicles have driven more than 140,000 miles, along California's coast, through highway construction zones, local traffic, and even on San Francisco's famed Lombard Street. Each car is equipped with sensors that gather millions of data points per second about the surroundings and differentiate cars, pedestrians, birds etc. Since there are computers known to land planes when pilots don't have enough visibility there is no doubt that Google‘s drive-less car will make it.
Prof. Sebastian Thrun
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BE INSPIRED!
You are not here merely to make a living. You are here in order to enable the world to live more amply, with greater vision, with a finer spirit of hope and achievement. You are here to enrich the world, and you impoverish yourself if you forget the errand." Woodrow Wilson "Confidence is a habit that can be developed by acting as if you already had the confidence you desire to have." Brian Tracy "How committed are you? There is a remarkable difference between a commitment of 99% and 100%." Vic Conant "You'll seldom experience regret for anything that you've done. It is what you haven't done that will torment you. The message, therefore, is clear. Do it! Develop an appreciation for the present moment. Seize every second of your life and savour it. Value your present moments. Using them up in any self defeating ways means you've lost them forever." Dr Wayne Dyer "A life lived with integrity even if it lacks the trappings of fame and fortune is a shining star in whose light others may follow in the years to come." Denis Waitley It is our attitude at the beginning of a difficult task which, more than anything else, will affect its successful outcome." William James
Insight newsletter– August Edition
PULHHEEMS
DR AIYUDU,DI (CRC)
For new recruits it is part of the first step into the armed forces, whilst for established service people it is a requirement of ongoing employment. Although a PULHHEEMS is carried out on new recruits, it is not itself an entrance examination, the attributes of which depend on the unit conducting the examination. The examination is carried out on recruits, and five-yearly after a serviceman or woman reaches the age of 30. After the age of 50, people in service are examined every two years. All Generals of any persuasion must be examined yearly. Furthermore, service personnel under the
The PULHHEEMS is a system of grading
age of 30 are required to undergo a
physical and mental fitness used by Brit-
PULHHEEMS in order to attend certain
ish Armed Forces. PULHHEEMS is tri-
courses, whether occupational or promo-
service, which is to say that it is used by
tional, and also if medically downgraded.
the British Army, the Royal Navy and
A PULHHEEMS is also carried out prior
the Royal Air Force. Its purpose is to
to leaving the armed forces, in part be-
determine the suitability of its employ-
cause many former servicemen remain as
ees for posting into military zones. It is
reserves.
not a fitness test as such; rather, it is a
The PULHHEEMS examination can result
test of suitability for purpose.
in medical downgrading if fitness standards do not reach required levels,
The PULHHEEMS system, or variations
whether as a consequence of injury, ne-
of it, is also used by several members of
glect, pregnancy, or old age. Downgrading
the British Commonwealth, including Sin-
can reduce a serviceman's pay, and pre-
gapore, Canada, Australia and New Zea-
vent him or her from attending courses,
land. The USA uses a system called PUL-
which in turn can prevent the serviceman
HES. In civilian life, there is a similar
from being promoted. Ultimately a seri-
system called PULSES, which is used to
ous, permanent medical downgrade can
grade levels of disability; it differs from result in discharge from the armed the PULHHEEMS in that it also examforces on medical grounds. ines the digestive system, something which the PULHHEEMS does not.
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PULHHEEMS is an abbreviation for the factors it is intended to test.
Insight newsletter– August Edition
PULHHEEMS These include: Physique Upper limbs Lower limbs (or 'Locomotion', as this includes the back) Hearing (left) Hearing (right) Eyesight left (corrected / uncorrected) Eyesight right (corrected / uncorrected) Mental function Stability (emotional) SCORING The attributes examined in PULHHEEMS receive a score from 1 to 8, with 1 being excellent and 8 being unfit for service. Although in theory, all attributes can be scored from 1 to 8, in practice only eyesight and hearing can be graded 1. Although there is provision for grading a serviceman's physical measurements as P1, the examination required would be impossible within the constraints of the
branches, the score is the PES, which stands for "PULHHEEMS Employment Status". This PES is used to determine whether the soldier is "employable in full combatant duties (in any area) in any part of the world" or if they must remain away from the combat area, or within a specific geographic limitation. Sometimes it may be used in determining whether they are unfit for all duties. A PES grade of P2 is excellent, that of P7 is very poor, and P8 is unfit for duty. MES encapsulates the suitability of personnel for posting in the air, on the ground, and in different climates. Thus, a fully-fit RAF serviceman will be graded A1G1Z1 rather than P2. Conversely the Royal Navy, which includes the Royal Marines, makes no distinction between postings at sea or on land. HISTORY The PULHHEEMS system dates from WWII, although before 1983 it was sim-
PULHHEEMS system.
ply PULHEEMS with one H. It replaced
The Mental and Stability measurements
from before WWI in which soldiers
are not exhaustive psychological examinations. The former is a test of the ability to form coherent thought processes, whilst the latter is a measurement of the serviceman's stress level. PES/MES Once a person in service has undergone a PULHHEEMS, they receive a score. In the Royal Air Force (RAF), the score is the MES, which stands for "Medical
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Employment Status." In the other
an earlier, simpler system which dated were graded from A1 to D3 in four bands of three ratings.
Insight newsletter-
August Edition
FITNESS TO DRIVE – DRUG
Many drivers take drugs or medicine at some time in their life. Few realise how they can affect their driving. Drugs may be taken for many reasons. Some medical; drugs, such as mild painkillers taken for headaches, are unlikely to affect most drivers seriously. Others, such as antihistamines taken from hay fever, can cause drowsiness and are therefore dangerous if taken before driving.
Drugs prescribed for serious medical conditions may have side effect while driving. So check with your doctor and follow his advice. Non– medical drugs (such as cannabis, cocaine or heroin) or medical drugs taken for non-medical reasons (such as amphetamines to stay awake) are illegal in many countries and dangerous to ALL drivers REMEMBER: Never drive after taking drugs unless they have been declared safe by a doctor. CULLED FROM: THE AFRICAN HIGHWAY CODE A GUIDE FOR DRIVERS OF HIGHWAY GOODS VEHICLE (VERSION FOR DRIVING ON THE RIGHT)
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Insight newsletter– August Edition
FITNESS TO DRIVE – FATIGUE Everyone knows the signs of fatigue such as yawning or aches and pains in the back eyes. There are simple ways to prevent tiredness. YOU Obey National Laws regarding driving time. As a general rule, don‘t drive for more than four hours without break. In any period of 24 hours, don‘t drive for a total of more than 10 hours. When you have a break, get out of the cab and go for a short walk. Eat carefully before and during a journey. A large meal can make you fell drowsy. Eating nothing at all is equally bad. NEVER take drugs or medicines to help keep you awake.
AT NIGHT Night driving can be particularly dangerous if you are not used to it. Both driving in heavy traffic and driving along straight roads at night can be specially tiring. The worst time is the early morning when your body normally wants to sleep. If you feel sleepy, have a break. REMEMBER: Avoid driving for more than 4 hours without a break CULLED FROM: THE AFRICAN HIGHWAY CODE A GUIDE FOR DRIVERS OF HIGHWAY GOODS VEHICLE (VERSION FOR DRIVING ON THE RIGHT)
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Insight newsletter- August Edition
FROM MY MAIL BOX
CAUTION One day a lady licked the envelopes and postage stamps instead of using a sponge / Gum. That very day the lady found a cut on her tongue. A week later, she noticed an abnormal swelling on her tongue.. She went to the doctor, and they found nothing wrong. Her tongue was not sore or anything. A couple of days later, her tongue started to swell more, and it began to get really sore, so sore, that she could not eat.. She went back to the hospital, and demanded something to be done. The doctor took an x-ray of her tongue and noticed a lump. He prepared her for minor surgery.. When the doctor cut her tongue open, a live cockroach crawled out!!!! There were cockroach eggs on the seal of the envelope. The egg was able to hatch inside of her tongue, because of her saliva. It was warm and moist.
Andy Hume wrote: Hey, I used to work in an envelope factory.. You wouldn't believe the things that float around in those gum applicator trays. I haven't licked an envelope for years. I used to work for a print shop (32 years ago) and we were told NEVER to lick the envelopes. I never understood why until I had to go into storage and pull out 2500 envelopes that were already printed and saw several squads of cockroaches roaming around inside a couple of boxes with eggs everywhere. They eat the glue on the envelopes
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Insight newsletter- August Edition
COMACE POWER POINT PRESENTATION AT THE NATIONAL ELECTRICITY COMMISSION ON 14 APRIL, 2011 CONT FROM MAY EDITION
Restoring the integrity of the National Uniform Licensing Scheme (NULS)
Building internal human capacity (II)
• Improvement of the national drivers‘ license
• Promotion of 417 officers and 1784
The process is up and running in the 36
•
marshals to the next rank
states and the Federal Capital Territory
• Renovation of offices
Abuja.
• Introduction of fleet management
system for managing our fleet of vehicles • Motivation of staff that performed well
at work
• New number plate design approved by The
• Three additional office space rented as
Federal Executive Council
a headquarters annex to provide
• Built two additional number-plate
additional office space
manufacturing plants in Gwagwalada and Awka
• Upgraded the staff uniform :
to complement Lagos plant
•
The use of uniforms numbers 1-6 as it is obtainable in the military and paramilitary setting
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Improved funding
Building internal human capacity (III)
• Capital vote has increased from N670
New FRSC Academy, Udi
million in 2007 to N6.5 billion in 2010 • Total appropriation has increased from
N12 billion in 2007 to N22.1 billion in 2010 • Budget performance has been at 98%
since 2007 • Attracted World Bank funding of $10
million
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Budgetary appropriation (2006 – 2010) Total Appropriation (N) 2006 1,504,500,000.00
2007 12,078,275,730.00
2008 16,453,032,834.00
2009 14,500,919,005.10
Building internal human capacity (IV)
2010
FRSC National Headquarters, Abuja (Renovations)
22,130,677,802.33
Before
Source: FRSC Planning Advisory Unit Analysis, 2011
After
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Building internal human capacity Creation of new departments and Units such as:
Building internal human capacity (IV)
• Safety Engineering Department (SED) • •
FRSC National Headquarters, Abuja (Renovations)
Investigates causes of road crashes involving 6+ fatalities. Carries out road audit for planning and advisory purposes
Before
• Training Standards and Certification Department (TSC) • The department is in charge of staff training • Sports and Physical Education • Corps planning Office (CPL) • The Corps Office is in charge of strategic planning for the Corps • Project Implementation Office (PIO) • In charge of project implementation for the Corps • Planning Advisory Unit (PAU) • In charge of data collation and conversion to intelligence for management decision
After
making
• Staff housing estate with 546 units • FRSC academy nearing completion at Udi, Enugu State • Establishment of microfinance bank (Safeline Micro bank) • Increase in number of courses and number of staff attending local and international courses
(48 foreign and 3,387 local) 16 20
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Insight newsletter- August Edition
COMACE POWER POINT PRESENTATION AT THE NATIONAL ELECTRICITY COMMISSION ON 14 APRIL, 2011 CONT FROM MAY EDITION
Building internal human capacity (IV) FRSC National Headquarters, Abuja (Renovations) After
Before
21
Source: FRSC Planning Advisory Unit Analysis, 2011
26
Building internal human capacity (IV) FRSC National Headquarters, Abuja (Renovations)
The FRSC dashboard [2010 Cumulative (week 1 – 52, 2010)]
After
Before
COMPARATIVE CUMULATIVE FOR MVA, OPS, CMRS, CTSO & TSC 2009 AND 2010 (WEEK 1 - 52) S/N DEPARTMENTS & CORPS OFFICES (ACTIVITIES) 1
2
CUMULATIVE 2009
MOTOR VEHICLE ADMINISTRATION NVIS NDL OPERATIONS DEPARTMENT OFFENDERS
492,660
550,560
(423,491) 92,852 57,900 117,687
-40.78 30.79 11.75
OFFENCES CORPS MEDICAL AND RESCUE SERVICES (CMRS)
492,628
610,315
8,875 12,832
5,330 8,677
(3,545) (4,155)
-39.94 -32.38
5,654 25,046
4,065 18,094 38,672
(1,589) (6,952)
-28.10 -27.76
4
RTCs VEHICLES INVOLVED CASUALTIES KILLED INJURED TOTAL INVOLVED CORPS TRANSPORT STANDARDIZATION OFFICE
5
(WK 52 2009/10)
FLEET OPERATORS REGISTRATION TILL DATE PASSENGERS TRAVELLED (WK 52 2009/10) VEHICLES TRAVELLED (WK 52 2009/10) VEHICLE KILOMETRE COVERAGE TRAINING, STANDARDS & CERTIFICATION
23.89
2,058
605
(1,453)
-70.60
47,269,086 5,856,378 601,453,669
2,721 63,231,933 5,066,156 2,348,466,359
15,962,847 (790,222) 1,747,012,690
33.77 -13.49 290.47
-83 -415
-4.58 -85.57
-20
-8.77
NUMBER OF DRIVERS TRAINED DRIVING SCH. REG. DRIVING SCH. MONITORING (BY FIELD CMD) DRIVING SCH. INSPECTION & CERTIFICATION
Building internal human capacity (V)
INCREASE/DECREASE %
615,044 394,373
3
FLEET OPERATORS REGISTRATION
22
2010
1,038,535 301,521
1,811 485 228
1,728 70 81 208
Source: FRSC Planning Advisory Unit Analysis, 2011
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FRSC‘s Road Traffic Crash analysis for week 13, 2011
FRSC Uniform Licensing Scheme Plant
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Source: FRSC Planning Advisory Unit Analysis, 2011
FRSC dress protocol
Creating a robust regulatory environment •
•
Dress no 1
Dress no 1
Dress no 2
Dress no 2
Dress no 3
•
Dress no 4
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Dress no 5
Dress no 6
Dress no 5 + cardigan
Driving School Standardization Program (DSSP) •
Program launched to restore Drivers training through Driving Schools
•
343 Driving schools registered
•
208 Driving Schools certified
Road Transport Safety Standardization Scheme •
Prescribes minimum standards for all fleets with more than 5 Vehicles
•
2,721 fleet registered
•
927 fleet certified
•
307 Safety Managers trained
•
1,459 Drivers trained
School Bus Program •
Draft policy and standards in place
•
Meeting with Major stakeholders is on-going
•
Sensitization of all other stakeholders is on going
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Insight newsletter- July Edition
DRIVING AND VISION
DO ENAKIRERU (ARC)
II. Loss of vision in one eye III. Should not drive for three months after loss IV. Eye infections It should be noted that Visual Standards for a commercial vehicle license are more rigorous The importance of good vision when driving cannot be overlooked. Before a person can have a driving licence, the applicant will be required to complete a vision screening. The condition of the eyes affects the individual‘s ability to operate a vehicle safely. Visual Acuity, binocular vision and colour vision must be explicit. Vision test is practised in the following countries; USA, South Africa, Canada, and Australia as a standard for global best practices. To obtain a regular driver‘s license in Australia, the applicant must pass a visual test, that is; 1.You must be able to see AT LEAST the ―6/12‖ line on the eye chart 2.Your horizontal visual field must be more than 120 degrees The applicant will not be granted a license if he has one of the following ailments: I. Double vision when looking straight ahead
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Reasons for decreased vision include; I. Refractive error - short-sightedness, long-sightedness or astigmatism I Ocular disease - cataract, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration III. Injury to the eye DISEASES OF THE EYES The eyes should have a normal focus. However some diseases can cause eye defects. They include the following: -Short sightedness (myopia) distance vision blur -Long sightedness (Hyperopia) difficulty seeing clearly comfortably up close objects The eyes may require a correction of
Insight newsletter- July Edition
)
DRIVING AND VISION
.refractive error by the use of pre-
however it may prevent you from ob-
scribed eye glasses by an Optometrist.
taining a license for a commercial motor
A tint may be useful
vehicle.Regular eye checks are highly
-Especially important at night or in wet
recommended. Every two years every-
conditions -Some people who pass the test will still feel more comfortable with glasses CATARACT -Mostly caused by ageing -Cloudy lens inside eye -Gradual loss of vision -Difficulty with glare DIABETES -Commonly affects eyes -Severity of condition depends on the amount of time diabetic and control of blood sugar level. GLAUCOMA -Disease of optic nerve -Affects peripheral vision first -Difficult to detect in early stages -Early treatment is best COLOUR VISION DEFECT -Most commonly red/green -8% of males, 0.5 % of females -Varies in severity -Can affect brightness of traffic lights and brake lights Having a colour vision defect is not a restriction to getting a normal license;
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DO ENAKIRERU (ARC)
one needs these regular checks especially over 40years of age and if you wear glasses already. In order to pass the driving test, visual acuity should be at 6/10 level (Snellen) when corrected by glasses, contact lenses, etc., and have reasonable visual fields. A person should be able to clearly see the letter on a car number plate (3.5 inches, or 79.4 mm high) with corrected vision (or normal vision) from 25 yards (20.5 metres). This is approximately equivalent to 6/10 (or 0.6 metric.) Monocular (one- eyed) vision is allowed, provided the field is greater than 120 degrees. A person is allowed to drive, with a colour defect, also with double vision, as long as the double vision can be corrected with prismatic spectacles or an eye patch on one eye worn, while driving. A monocular person can have a normal (Group 1) driving licence, provided the visual acuity requirement is met, and that there is one good normal field of vision. If a person has had a stroke or other brain or ocular damage such that they are unaware of or ignore one part of their visual field or part of their body they must not drive.
Insight newsletter- July Edition
DRIVING AND VISION
DO ENAKIRERU (ARC)
An Optometrist provides a comprehensive visual examination, analyse and treat coordinated problems, prescribe, supply and repair spectacles and contact lenses. Your safety on the road includes having a clear vision to read road signs, see traffic light, and brake light .You do not need to be told to go for regular checks, because your safety is in your hands. It begins with you. Sources: www.dwp.gov.uk/publications
www.vicoptom.asm.au
MANY PEOPLE AROUND THE WORLD DIE IN MOTORCYCLE COLLISIONS....WHY ARE HELMETS NEEDED? Cont from pg 11
5. Suriyawongpaisal P, Kanchanusut S. Road traffic injuries in Thailand: trends, selected underlying determinants and status of intervention. Injury Control and Safety Promotion, 2003, 10:95–104. 6. Umar R. Helmet initiatives in Malaysia. In: Proceedings of the 2nd World Engineering Congress. Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia, Institution of Engineers, July 2002. 7. Zhang J et al. Motorcycle ownership and injury in China. Injury Control & Safety Promotion, 2004, 11:159–163. 8. Motorcycle safety helmets. COST 327. Brussels, Commission of the European Communities, 2001. 9. Blincoe L et al. The economic impact of motor vehicle crashes, 2000. Washington, D.C., National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2002 (DOT HS-809-446). 10. Kulanthayan S et al. Compliance of proper safety helmet usage in motorcyclists. Medical Journal of Malaysia, 2000, 55:40–44. 11. Wells S et al. Motorcycle rider conspicuity and crash related injury: case-control study. British Medical Journal, 2004, 328:857. 12. Brandt M et al. Hospital cost is reduced by motorcycle helmet use. Journal of Trauma, Infection and Critical Care, 2002, 53:469–471. 13. Liu B et al. Helmets for preventing injury in motorcycle riders. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2005 (4).
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Insight newsletter- July Edition
CHECK– LIST FOR DRIVING TEST
4. Gear changing Fails to change when required Clashes gear excessively Jerks vehicle 5. When driving Rest elbow on window Fails to keep both hands in correct position on wheel Rides the clutch Safe distance from preceeding vehicle 6. Cornering Fails to take correct course Fails to adopt safe speed Crosses white line unnecessarily and climbs round wheel
.1. When first entering vehicle Fails to check handbrake on Fails to check gears in neutral Fails to check driving position for comfort Fails to check driving mirror (s) 2. Starting up Fails to switch on ignition Fails to depress clutch Excessive use of Starter motor 3. Moving off Fails to look in mirror Fails to give adequate signal Fails to release handbrake Excessive/insufficient revs Obstructs traffic
7. Turning to right/left Fails to take correct course Fails to look in mirror Fails to give adequate signs Fails to engage appropriate gear Fails to adopt safe speed Obstructs traffic 8.Stopping and parking Fails to take correct course Fails to look in mirror Fails to give adequate signal (s) Brakes violently Labours or stalls engine Fails to apply handbrake Fails to put gears in neutral when on level Fails to stop in position indicate
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Insight newsletter- July Edition
.Fails to park in safe place
Moves at excessive speed Fails to enter opening indicated
9. Overtaking Fails to look in mirror
14. Emergency stop
Fails to give adequate signal (s)
Inadequate control of vehicle
Fails to change gear when required Fails to take correct course
15. Traffic signs
Obstruct traffic
Fails to obey mandatory prohibitory signs
Cuts in
Fails to obey traffic controller
Overtakes in a dangerous place
Fails to obey traffic light
A
signs S T O R Y : L I S T E NDisregards A N D warning L I V E
10. Being overtaken Fails to take correct course
16. Vision
Accelerates
Fails to read a distance of twenty five yards in good daylight, a motor vehicle
11. Moving off uphill Fails to look in mirror Fails to give adequate signal Fails to release handbrake Excessive/insufficient revs Obstructs traffic
and figures 17. General Drives at excessive speed Drives dangerously
Moves backwards
Fails to concentrate
12. Turning round in a road
Fails to act on signals other road users
Fails to look in mirror Fails to give adequate signal Fails to adopt correct course Fails to engage appropriate gear Fails to reverse when stationary Moves in wrong direction Obstruct traffic unnecessarily 13. Reversing Fails to check clear road behind Fails to correct course
25
identification mark, containing six letters
Indecisive/overconfidence Uses horn incorrectly Accelerator control jerk
Insight newsletter- July Edition
ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT
and on to the Internet. The device is managed and synced by iTunes running IPAD AND ANDROID Part 2 on a personal computer via USB cable. Apple's first tablet computer was the Newton MessagePad 100, introduced in 1993, which led to the creation of the ARM6 processor core with Acorn Computers. Apple also developed a prototype PowerBook Duo-based tablet, the PenLite, but decided not to sell it in order to avoid hurting MessagePad sales. Apple released several more Newtonbased PDAs; the final one, the MesA S T O R Y : L I S T E N A N D L I V E sagePad 2100, was discontinued in 1998. Apple re-entered the mobile-computing markets in 2007 with the iPhone. Smaller than the iPad but featuring a camera and mobile phone, it pioneered the multitouch finger-sensitive touchscreen interface of Apple's iOS mobile operating system. By late 2009, the iPad's release had been rumored for The iPad is the first Apple product to several years. Such speculation mostly employ the A4, a new processor develtalked about "Apple's tablet"; specific oped by Apple. The iPad's processor names included iTablet and iSlate. The runs at 1 Ghz. It includes an optional aleventual name is reportedly a homage to ways-on cellular Internet connection the Star Trek PADD, a fictional device through AT&T. very similar in appearance to the iPad. The iPad was announced on January 27, Like iPhone and iPod Touch, the iPad is 2010, by Steve Jobs at an Apple press controlled by a multitouch display—a conference at the Yerba Buena Center departure from most previous tablet for the Arts in San Francisco. computers, which used a pressureJobs later said that Apple began develtriggered stylus—as well as a virtual onoping the iPad before the iPhone, but screen keyboard in lieu of a physical temporarily shelved the effort upon rekeyboard. The iPad uses a wireless local alizing that its ideas would work just as area network ("Wi-Fi") connection to acwell in a mobile phone. The iPad's intercess local area networks and the Internal codename was K48, which was renet. Some models also have a 3G wirevealed in the court case surrounding less network interface which can conleaking of iPad information before nect to HSPA or EV-DO data networks launch.
TO BE CONT’D IN THE NEXT EDITION
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Insight newsletter- July Edition
Steve Jobs: A story of great inspiration
aesthetic. His LSD trips as a young man expanded his mind and helped breed Apple's counterculture.
During a commencement speech in 2005 at the Stanford University, US he told the graduates that, "You can't connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something -yourAgut, A S T O R Y : L I S T E N N destiny, D L I life, V E karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference in my life." Steve Jobs was born February 24, 1955. In One of the great innovators of our his early stage, he showed an early interest time, Steve Jobs stepped down as in electronics. As a teenager, he phoned CEO of apple leaving indelible marks William Hewlett, president of Hewletton the sand of time. He stepped Packard, to request parts for a school prodown as a result of his illness. ject. He got them, along with a summer job offer at HP.... Somehow, he has proved a point that anyone can be what he wants to be no To be continued in the next edition matter his condition or background. As long as you stick to your goal, you will achieve it. According to him, "The only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work". It was said that Steve Jobs dropped out of college after one semester and quit one of his first jobs to backpack in India. Today, he has made a tremendous impact on how the world consumes digital content. His early experiences in life shaped his creative ingenuity; the graceful brush strokes of the calligraphy class influenced his elegant Apple
27
Insight newsletter- July Edition
PLANNING ADVISORY UNIT Federal Road Safety Corps RSHQ, Wuse Zone 7, Abuja, Nigeria Abuja
-
Converting data into intelligence for making evidence based decision -Conducting global monitoring and benchmarking -Conducting surveys and internal consulting for depart-
Phone: +234 8077201236, +234 7036136152 E-mail: insight@frsc.gov.ng pau@frsc.gov.ng
ments and Corps offices -Offering technical assistance and coaching to departments and Corps offices
For Advert Placement, Please Contact The Editor
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