By Amin Kef Sesay
It is very important as individuals and road users to be aware that road traffic injuries remain an important public health problem. Thus, drivers and road users generally should know then when road safety products are utilized correctly or efficiently, they can help save lives, prevent accidents and injuries.
As such, this year’s Road Safety Day marked the start of the 2nd Decade of Action for Road Safety launched on 28 October by the UN as part of the Sustainable Development Goals 2030 with a universal theme for member states to aim towards reducing road deaths by 50% by the year 2030.The third Sunday in November is also the World Remembrance Day for Road Traffic Victims and Africa Road Safety Day.
In Sierra Leone, averagely almost 2000 people are killed on our roads every year with 3000 seriously injured. These should be viewed not just statistics but a calamity that is affecting our nation with a weak social Safety net and overstretched and under funded health services.
As we continue to mourn the death of our citizens and comfort the family of the deceased of the November 5 PMB, Wellington tragedy, we should look at the above data critically, especially those that relate to causes of accidents and injuries in order to develop mitigation measures that are practical and time bound.
The accident that led to the fatalities at PMB clearly showed that road safety is very important nowadays as there has been a big increase in vehicles on road which makes it crucial that we follow the traffic rules and laws and save ourselves and our families from road accidents. Also making everyone aware of road safety rules could make our roads safe.
If the majority of the accident is because of human error, it simply means that our drivers are not properly trained or negligent. There are remedies to this and that is to strengthen our drivers’ testing and licensing system; enhance public education and awareness using various media; implement the Traffic Points System to punish persistent offenders.
The next cause of accident is related to mechanical failure of the vehicles involved. The preferred solution is to improve our annual vehicle testing system.
Accidents that involve pedestrian in built up areas are caused by lack of proper and safe crossing areas and in particular the design and use of the Road. When street traders occupy pedestrian walkways it forces the pedestrian to compete with vehicles to use the road. The simple solution is to strictly enforce street trading laws.
Finally when the accident is caused by speeding, especially on the highway, the solutions are to enforce speed restrictions; increase highway patrols and provide vehicle speed restriction measures especially along areas on the highway where people sell mostly consumer goods to passing motorists. These include but are not limited to proper road signs and markings; and road bumps and rumble strips to reduce the speed of approaching vehicles.
With relation to the PMB accident, how can we maintain road safety?
Do not take drugs or drink and drive.
Obey road signs and speed limit.
Do not use cell phone when driving.
Ensure the vehicle is in a roadworthy condition.
Do simple vehicle maintenance and pre-trip inspections.
Guard against distractions while driving.
And for the people who use the roads, whenever a fuel tanker has an accident and starts spilling fuel especially petrol, avoid the area totally.
