DRTS, Police intensify road safety patrols

Tobokani Baratang | Friday July 14, 2017 15:17

 

As congregations, families and friends travel in masses to various gatherings, it is important to interact with the public and share road safety messages in order to curb road accidents, said the Ministry of Transport and Communication permanent secretary, Isaac Moepeng. 

Officiating at the launch of the road safety campaign yesterday in Gaborone, Moepeng also said the role of the media is critical in sensitising the public about road safety awareness.

 Moepeng said since independence, Botswana has experienced rapid economic growth, and the economic upsurge has created more mobility with the number of motor vehicles increased, consequentially leading to more fatalities and injuries on the roads.   “Road traffic accidents continue to negate these achievements. 

Statistically evidence has proven that more than 1,800 people are injured in our roads, while more than 400 people lost their lives every year and many other remain disabled for life,” Moepeng shared. In 2015, 215 fatalities were recorded, 450 in 2016 and to date in July 222 fatalities were recorded. 

Moepeng asked Batswana to imagine what the figures would at the end of the holidays be if the current ones are already half way compared to last year.

 He said it is disheartening to note that road traffic accidents have often killed Batswana, who are skilled, well educated and are a scarce resource in the country. Still at the launch, Botswana Police Service director of traffic, Katlholo Mosimanegape gave an overview of road crashes in Botswana. He said the police will be intensifying their operations over the holidays. 

Mosimanegape said the police will be focusing on law enforcement. “While we will be enforcing the law, we will however ensure flow of traffic.  Pirating is also a concern problem for us, said Mosimanegape, who urged passengers to refrain from following the tendency. 

He said the vehicles passengers board often overspeed leaving them vulnerable to road traffic accidents. The launch of the President’s Day holiday operation was held with the objective to enforce the Road Traffic Act and Road Transport Permit Act at roadsides.