The week-long road safety campaign to prevent road carnage climaxed this Friday with a musical concert held at Kicukiro stadium dedicated to raising awareness against drunk driving. At least 1,064 traffic offenses related to drunk driving were recorded between January and September this year, according to statistics. Motorists and music fans in Kigali enjoyed an aura of excitements from a taste of rich local vocal harmonies in thrilling performances by Bruce Melody, Dany Vumba, Intore Tuyisenge, Uruyenzi cultural troupe, who spiced up the audience with renditions of songs depicting how drunk driving pose danger to road users. The occasion was graced by the Minister of State in charge of Public Health and Primary Healthcare, Dr. Patrick Ndimubanzi flanked by the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP) in charge of Administration and Personnel, Juvenal Marizamunda. Ndimubanzi reminded the gathering that excessive abuse of alcohol leads to impaired driving. “Alcohol affects the brain and results are fatal. A drunk driver is dangerous to him or herself, to passengers, pedestrians and other road users,” the State Minister said. “If you are drunk desist from driving; value your life and lives of others,” he added. He also urged passengers to prevail upon speeding and drunk drivers or using the phone while driving, by reporting to police such risky behaviors that might lead to loss of lives. At least 6,841 cases of driving while using the phone; 1,404 cases of spending and 7,034 case of overtaking in hotspots were also recorded in this year’s first nine months. The DIGP Marizamunda said efforts to reverse the trend of accidents will continue. He also took time to appeal to motorists to drive responsibly especially as we approad the festive season when accidents tend to be high. The campaign started last week with marking the Africa Road Safety Day. Along the week, police and partners educated various categories of road users including drivers, motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians on road safety standards as well as repainting crosswalks from zebra stripes to red and white to increase visibility.
