Police urge caution on roads as Easter travel begins

Pini Bothoko | Tuesday April 22, 2025 13:06

Botswana Police Service Traffic Director Pilane Sibigi has expressed a concern over the increase in road accidents during holiday periods especially Easter holidays where people travel in large groups.

“Road fatalities remain one of the country’s major concerns and it is often the case that people have a great time with their loved ones to ending up in tragic situations due to road fatalities. This week we have been holding community outreach with churches sensitising them about road safety ahead of this holiday,” he said.

Sibigi specifically appealed to churches and other travelling groups to be vigilant on the roads.

“We plead with churches to ensure their members travel safely. Let us not allow what should be a joyous celebration to end in tears. We have observed that most fatal accidents which involve a group of people occur during this period,” he said.

He further urged the public to avoid drinking and driving, noting that many fatal accidents are linked to alcohol consumption.

“People must consider waiting until they have reached their destinations before they start drinking. Drinking while on the road or planning to drive between bars and other drinking spots is dangerous and reckless. Moreover, we plead with motorists to ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy before embarking on long trips,” he said.

In addition, Sibigi cautioned motorists against speeding and ignoring road signs. He stated that speeding remains the leading cause factor as young drivers like to compete on the road and overtake unnecessarily.

“Some of the most fatal accidents happen in zones where the speed limit is 60km/h something which shows that some drivers speed unnecessarily. We urge drivers to respect road rules and prioritise safety at all times because road deaths remain a concern,” he said.

However, the police have assured the public that they will be on high alert throughout the Easter holidays to enforce traffic laws and ensure safer roads for all.

The traffic director vowed that with road safety enforcement initiatives in place, they would enhance speed enforcement, particularly along highways, and focus on impaired driving enforcement through booze-bus operations.