Road safety campaign urges pedestrian caution

Pini Bothoko | Wednesday May 7, 2025 06:00

The campaign, held from May 2 to 3, 2025, focused on pedestrian safety in high-risk zones such as busy intersections, high-traffic corridors, and popular night spots along the A12 Road in Molepolole.

The initiative was intended to promote safe pedestrian conduct and encourage mutual respect between motorists and pedestrians.

Southern Divisional Traffic Officer, Assistant Commissioner Boiki Mojalemotho, said the campaign reached 1,216 pedestrians of which 729 were males and 487 females.

They were educated on road safety practices and their role in reducing road fatalities, he revealed.

Mojalemotho added the campaign sought to promote safe pedestrian practices and foster a culture of mutual respect between motorists and pedestrians.

“Statistics revealed that road accidents involving pedestrians are reported almost weekly, a disturbing trend that underscores urgent need for preventive measures.

“Though our primary focus was on pedestrians, the campaign also encouraged responsible road behaviour by motorists and pedestrians urging them to adhere to traffic rules and exercise caution at all times,' he said.

“We also engaged with 383 drivers of which 306 were men and 67 women. We conducted alcohol breath tests on 36 drivers. Of those, 17 were found to be driving above the legal alcohol limit.'

He added that amongst the tested drivers, six were below the limit, five had no traces of alcohol, six failed to provide a breath sample, while two refused to provide breath test.

“Failing or refusing to provide a breath sample is a criminal offence, as it may indicate that the driver is under the influence of alcohol,” Mojalemotho explained.

He further stated that the campaign also uncovered other road safety violations as several drivers were found driving without drivers' licences, and seven cases involving unroadworthy vehicles were recorded.

Mojalemotho emphasised that the campaign was deliberately conducted at night.

“We’ve observed that most fatal pedestrian accidents occur during the night, especially around entertainment areas. This strategy helped us engage with road users during peak risk hours,” he said.

Mojalemotho explained that the campaign delivered messages through both verbal engagement and distribution of brochures.

He is hopeful that the outreach will result in improved road behavior and a reduction in pedestrian deaths.