The Rwanda National Police yesterday launched a nationwide road safety campaign aimed at reducing traffic accidents that continue to claim many lives. Figures indicate that accidents remain the leading cause of deaths in Rwanda, while World Health Organisation also says that accidents claim more lives than Malaria, HIV/Aids and other major killer diseases globally. In particular, most road accidents in Rwanda involve motorcyclists, increasing the likelihood of death on the part of the rider and the passenger. Statistics show that most victims are youthful, mostly aged between 15 and 29, highlighting far-reaching consequences of road carnage on families and economy. There is a view that accidents will always occur no matter what. However, while certain accidents are unavoidable many could be prevented if only the motorists and passengers took precautionary measures, which are often basic requirements. For instance, proper use of helmets reduces risks of serious head injury by 70 per cent, according to the police. Unfortunately, there are so many road users who simply won’t put on helmets properly, while many helmets are too worn out to be of any help in case of an accident. During yesterday’s training in Gasabo District, which attracted some 500 motorcyclists, officials from Special Guarantee Fund disclosed that of the 190 claims that they received for compensation last year, a whopping 99 of them involved uninsured motorcycles! This is a matter of serious concern and authorities need to swing into action to reverse the trend. But road safety is not the responsibility of traffic officers or taxi-motos and their passengers alone. Other motorists and passengers as well as pedestrians have an equally critical role. Respect for traffic rules by all road users, such as observing speed limits, respecting the right of way of others and fixing mechanical faults in time, among other basics, could go a long way in checking road carnage. Let’s all work together to ensure traffic discipline and safety on our roads. editor@newtimesrwanda.com
