Tainan Fire Department Partners with ROC Advanced Driving Association for Training: 80 Firefighters Challenge Special Terrain Driving

Fire trainees undergoing 4x4 off-road practical training on the Anping beach to fully enhance driving control. (Photo by Reporter Lin Dong-Liang, same below)

Reporter Lin Dong-Liang / Tainan Report

 

To enhance the driving safety and self-rescue capability of fire and disaster relief personnel in challenging terrains, the Tainan City Fire Department and the Republic of China Advanced Driving Association (ROC Advanced Driving Association) jointly held a "Special Terrain Vehicle Safe Driving Training" from December 1st to 11th on the sandy area next to the Anping Fishing Port Marina.

 

The course was planned for 4 sessions, with 80 trainees participating. It attracted not only Tainan City fire personnel but also firefighters from Kaohsiung City and Nantou County to accept the rigorous challenge on sand, slopes, and obstacle courses. Those who complete the academic and practical components and pass the assessment will receive a "Level C Special Terrain Off-Road Vehicle Driving Certificate."

▲Fire trainees undergoing 4x4 off-road practical training on the Anping beach to fully enhance driving control. (Photo by Reporter Lin Dong-Liang, same below)

 

The training was fully guided by Chen Ho-Huang, Chairman of the ROC Advanced Driving Association's i Taiwan Rally Team and known as the "Asian Racing God," along with his team of professional instructors. The team spent a month inspecting the site, using heavy machinery to level the ground, planning obstacles, and testing intensity. During the course, they provided various 4x4 vehicles free of charge, allowing trainees to personally experience the handling response of different models on special terrains. With instructors closely monitoring and guiding, every trainee was able to repeatedly test drive, learn self-rescue techniques, and strengthen their driving judgment for handling adverse conditions in the safest environment.

 

The ROC Advanced Driving Association stated that its mission is to "enable special unit personnel, such as fire, disaster relief, and military, to maintain the best safe driving ability even in the most critical environments." Through this training, they hope that fire service colleagues will be able to successfully overcome obstacles and improve the speed and safety of disaster relief when facing road collapse, mud, or blockages in the future, by leveraging the performance of 4x4 vehicles.

▲Fire trainees undergoing 4x4 off-road practical training on the Anping beach to fully enhance driving control. (Photo by Reporter Lin Dong-Liang, same below)

 

Mayor Huang Wei-Che expressed gratitude to the ROC Advanced Driving Association for its long-term dedication to promoting safe driving. He also revealed that the association specially invited Tainan City fire service colleagues to participate in the Asian Rally Championship this year, where they achieved excellent results. Fire service personnel not only served as co-drivers but also actively assisted in rescuing other participating teams from foreign countries when they were stranded, showcasing their professional capabilities and greatly enhancing the international image of Taiwanese firefighters.

▲Fire trainees undergoing 4x4 off-road practical training on the Anping beach to fully enhance driving control. (Photo by Reporter Lin Dong-Liang, same below)

 

Fire Bureau Director Li Ming-Feng stated that fire vehicles often face increased transit risks when encountering road damage or sudden changes in terrain during deployment. This comprehensive training has allowed colleagues to deeply understand the performance of 4x4 vehicles, off-road techniques, and the optimal timing for self-rescue. This will help reduce dangers and improve overall disaster relief efficiency during future missions. He emphasized that this course will become an important milestone for the Fire Department's future promotion of safe driving training.

 

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