Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Mr. Gaye TheVoice
Published on 2024-04-18 11:48:18
The National Assembly Standing Committee on Defense and Security recently convened a meeting with various stakeholders to address the issue of rampant road accidents in the country. Key participants in the discussion included the Deputy Inspector General of Police, the National Road Authority (NRA), the General Transport Union, and the Mobile Police. The committee highlighted the need for urgent action to tackle this pressing issue that has been attributed to factors such as reckless driving and over-speeding.
Chairing the meeting, Seedy Njie emphasized the importance of addressing the root causes of road accidents, such as issuing licenses to minors or unqualified drivers. He proposed the implementation of a national speed limit enforcement strategy through the deployment of speed cameras to monitor and curb reckless driving behavior.
Deputy Speaker Njie stressed the need for increased police presence on the roads to conduct regular checks and ensure compliance with traffic laws. He emphasized the committee’s commitment to engaging all road users and offering practical solutions to improve road safety, including addressing the issue of underage driving.
Suggestions were made for the installation of street cameras and the deployment of more traffic officers to monitor traffic and enforce regulations. Omar Ceesay, President of the General Transport Union, highlighted the collective responsibility of all stakeholders in ensuring road safety and emphasized the need to avoid placing blame solely on drivers for accidents.
Comm. Lamin King Colley, Commissioner of Mobile Traffic, emphasized the importance of speed bumps as a measure to prevent road accidents. He explained how speed bumps can help control vehicle speed and reduce the risk of accidents on the roads. Ebrima Colley, Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Transport, Works and Infrastructure, emphasized the ministry’s efforts to educate the public on road safety regulations and announced plans to purchase new patrol motorbikes for the police.
The Managing Director of NRA, Mr. Momodou Senghore, highlighted the role of education and awareness in promoting road safety. He emphasized the need for public education on how to properly use new infrastructure like the Bertil Harding Highway, which features unique road features that may be unfamiliar to some drivers. Senghore expressed confidence that with proper education, significant improvements can be made in road safety.
In conclusion, the committee reiterated the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders to address the issue of road accidents effectively. By implementing practical measures such as speed limit enforcement, increased police presence, and public education initiatives, significant progress can be made in reducing road accidents and improving overall road safety in the country.
Read the original article on The Voice Gambia
