Rwanda National Police in partnership with Healthy People Rwanda (HPR) and Rwanda Media Council (RMC) have officially kicked off a two-day dialogue with journalists on road safety communication and reporting as the international road safety week gets underway.This year marks the seventh time Rwanda is taking part in marking the international road safety week.ALSO READ: Road safety: Police launch new campaignThe dialogue is aimed to strengthen the knowledge and skills of journalists to communicate and report effectively on road safety to the public and contribute to road safety awareness among the community, the road accident remains an alarming issue around the world as it was explained by Innocent Nzeyimana, Chief Executive officer of Healthy People Rwanda (HPR).“Mortality rates caused by road accidents are very high, around the world road accidents is the eighth lead cause of death implying that over one million people die in road accidents and this is why we have to put more efforts in advocating the public about road safety, with the help of media we can achieve road behavioral change,” he said.ALSO READ: New traffic cameras to enhance road safety – policeHe emphasized: “By changing the way we behave on the road it is possible to have zero deaths caused by car crashes. Almost 99 per cent of road accidents are preventable; we can certainly reduce the risk by being alert on the road and adhering to all safety regulations.”The Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP) in charge of Operations, Vincent Sano stated that the media have the ability to hugely influence the public, that is what efforts are brought together to encourage the media to be the voice of change that can impact positively on the behaviors of road users.“Majority of road accidents are preventable. It is about a mindset change to make road safety a choice and culture and that can be achieved with the contribution of the media as you influence the public,” he said.He added: “Road safety is a key component for sustainable security and development of our country. It facilitates all aspects of development. Such productive engagements provide a platform for the media and the Police to have the same voice to improve the state of road security,” he stated.In enhancing road safety and reducing road crashes risks, Rwanda National Police will soon introduce more 30 speed cameras to add up to another 30 which are being placed to different corners around the country to detect those who violate road regulations along with searching for those who held fake foreign driving licenses.
