Traffic month: Minister Kaboneka calls for collective responsibility to prevent accidents

The Minister of Local Government, Francis Kaboneka, has called on all road users and drivers in particular to have a collective responsibility to ensure sustainable road safety by respecting road traffic rules.

The Minister challenged everyone to always provide timely information to police on those who continue to violate traffic rules which contribute to fatal accidents.

He delivered the message on September 7 in Kicukiro District, where he officiated at the launch of the countrywide ‘Road Safety Month-2015,’ under the theme “Respect Traffic Rule: Save Lives”

The Road Safety Month is orchestrated by Rwanda National Police (RNP) to sensitize road users on road rules, laws and standards, as a means to prevent accidents and loss of lives and property.

“Intense awareness activities calling for responsibility of road users, coupled with strong enforcement of traffic rules are required to change the way roads are used. There is need to disseminate more information about road safety programmes in order to overcome any form of ignorance that may be dangerous for road users,” Minister Kaboneka told hundreds of residents, who turned up for the exercise.

“The issue of motorcyclists who vehemently refuse to respect other road users has also been talked about for a long time and should be addressed accordingly. Motorcyclists who fail to respect road rules often create hazards for themselves and other road users; and therefore, it is upon responsible road users to report whenever they observe reckless road users.”

At least 200 people died and over 300 were seriously injured in road accidents between January and June this year, according to police statistics.

In general, 34 percent of the victims were drivers and passengers, 30 percent pedestrians while motorcyclists and cyclists were 23 percent and 13 percent respectively.

Majority of the accidents were due to over speeding, reckless driving, and using telephones while driving.

Minister Kaboneka noted that country’s development agenda are hinged on safety and security, thus, there is need to priorities road safety education with a focus on challenges like drunk driving, over speeding, negligence and driving cars with mechanical faults, which are among the major causes of road accidents in the country.

The event was also graced by the Mayor of Kigali City, Fidel Ndayisaba, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Emmanuel K. Gasana, senior police officers and associations of drivers, among others.

IGP Gasana recited President Paul Kagame’s inspiring message that: “Rwandans should take their safety for granted” – noting that ensuring road safety is not a one-day event but should be a daily routine for road users.

“We cannot let accidents be part of our daily lives. That is why we consider awareness on road safety as a continuous process and not a once-a-year event. Police implemented a comprehensive plan of action to bring down road accidents by involving residents through community policing and ensuring professionalism of traffic officers,” IGP Gasana said.

“As we aspire for a sustainable and peaceful country, let every road user promote self-discipline as their duty to the nation.”

In the Western Province, the Minister in President’s Office, Venancie Tugireyezu also echoed the same message, but challenged leaders and elders to protect the youth as the future leaders of the country.

“Besides the youth, we all have an individual responsibility and a role to play in respecting traffic rules and educating others on road safety precautionary measures, respectively. I challenge you to come up with strategies of avoiding fatal accidents,” Tugireyezu told revelers in Nyabihu District.

“You must respect traffic policemen at all times as they represent the law; violating their instructions is literally violating the laws. This is a moment for us to reflect on traffic rules; every citizen’s life is a treasure and very precious to the country, we cannot afford to lose a sing life, we should always ensure safety of each other,” she said.

Similar events were conducted in the Eastern region (Kayonza district) presided over by State Minister in charge of Transport, Alexis Nzahabwanimana, Northern graced by the provincial Executive Secretary, Deo Kabagambe and Deputy Commissioner General of Police (DCGP) Stanley Nsabimana while in the Southern province, the event held in Kamonyi District was presided over by Deputy IGP in charge of Administration and Personnel, Juvenal Marizamunda.

The officials and senior police officers engaged road users on road safety tips.

The events in all regions were marked with establishing and painting Zebra crossings, putting stickers with road safety message on vehicles and motorcycles and a road safety awareness walk.

The road safety month is an occasion to sensitize the public to become responsible road users, educate pedestrians on traffic rules and regulations and it will be enhanced by media programs and community policing activities.

Special attention shall be given to school children who will be educated and given road safety tips.

RNP

UM– USEKE.RW