Police warn against distracted driving
Pini Bothoko | Wednesday November 26, 2025 06:00
Speaking in an interview with The Monitor, Sefatlhi expressed concern that despite ongoing law enforcement efforts, many drivers still use phones while behind the wheel. He said this behaviour remains one of the leading causes of road crashes recorded in the district.
Sefatlhi explained that mobile phones significantly reduce a driver’s concentration on the road, often leading to vehicles veering off the road or drifting into oncoming lanes. This, he said, places not only the distracted driver at risk but also other innocent road users.
'Use of mobile phones while driving remains a concern in Greater Gaborone, informed by our statistics, as we continue to charge people who disregard this law. I am pleading with drivers to consider their lives and those of other road users,' he said.
Beyond mobile phone use, Sefatlhi highlighted another worrying trend of drivers running red traffic lights. He said this reckless behaviour continues to fuel collisions, particularly at busy intersections, and called for patience and strict adherence to traffic signals.
'We also continue to charge people who are driving without a driver’s licence, and they are mostly the youth. It seems people lack the patience to follow all the steps required to acquire a driver’s licence and instead opt to drive illegally,' he added.
Despite these challenges, Sefatlhi said the police have intensified efforts to educate the public on road safety. Officers are conducting sensitisation campaigns in schools, churches, bars, and at football events to reach as many community members as possible. He said these engagements aim to promote safer driving habits and reduce the number of avoidable accidents in the area. Sefatlhi urged motorists to prioritise responsible driving, emphasising that road safety is a shared responsibility.