KAYONZA - Irresponsible driving is the major cause of road accidents in the country, Police said at the launch of ‘Traffic Week’ in Eastern Province.

Eastern Region Police Commander, ACP Sam Karemera, said police statistics indicate that eight out of 10 accidents in the country are caused by motorcycles.

He challenged motorists in the district to play a crucial role in curbing road accidents by observing traffic regulations.

"It is a very serious issue that most of the accidents that take place in the country are caused by motorcycles. It’s your efforts and commitment in helping the National Police to reduce road accidents,” Karemera said.

According to Police statistics, Nyagatare has the second largest number of motorcycles after Kigali.

Nyagatare District Police Commander, Supt. Eric Mutsinzi said that most of the motorcycle operators in the district do not possess driving licences.

"We have set up tough measures to stop motorcycle operators without driving licences…Most of them violate traffic rules by carrying three passengers without helmets,” he said.

In Kayonza, Protais Mitali, the Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, who presided over the launch, noted that road safety should be observed by every road user.

"We lose many lives and property through road accidents. It is against this background that the government is doing its best to arrest the situation,” he said.

Karemera, added that over-speeding was largely responsible for accidents.

"Our duty is to save lives, prevent injuries, reduce vehicle-related accidents at the highest level possible. Motorists and other road users have no alternative but to adhere to traffic rules...the week is about sensitising all road users,” he said.
Musanze

Elsewhere in Musanze District, Police urged road users to be cooperative in monitoring and reporting traffic offences to stop road accidents.

Speaking during the launch of the Traffic Safety Week, the Minister of Internal Security, Sheikh Musa Fazil Harerimana, challenged road users in the district to wisely use the newly built roads to avoid accidents.

‘’Traffic rules concern everyone, you should participate in their implementation, through community policing and as a matter of responsible citizens to protect innocent lives,’’ Harerimana said.

According to statistics from the police, a total of 99 road accidents have been registered in the last five months in the province. At least 25 were fatal leaving 96 people with disabilities.

Governor, Aime Bosenibamwe, requested pedestrians to avoid walking in the middle of the road.

 ‘’We can’t get a policeman for every person. People need to take up the responsibility for their own security. Why don’t you confront over-speeding drivers and tell them to stop. Many people have lost their loved ones at the hands of irresponsible motorists,’’ Bosenibamwe said.

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