21 Mar 2016

The Minister of Transport and Communications, Mr Tshenolo Mabeo has urged road users who will be embarking on long journeys during the Easter holidays to obey all road rules and adhere to safety standards.

“They must ensure proper use of seat belts, drive within the prescribed speed limit, keep safe driving distances especially when it is raining, avoid using hand-held devices when driving and most of all, they must not drink and drive,” he said.

Mr Mabeo said this when delivering a keynote address at the launch of Accident Free Easter, which was held at the Main Mall by different churches recently. 

“As we are all aware, the Easter holidays will be celebrated this coming week. 

Botswana Police Service statistics have revealed that during the holidays, many accidents usually result in serious injuries with some lives even lost,” he said.

He said statistics have also revealed that fatigue was one of the leading contributors to road accidents and appealed to all drivers to stop every 200kms to take a rest. 

He also requested passengers to be patient when drivers take the break because it could save their lives. 

He said speeding was another cause for concern as drivers lose control of their vehicles and end up being involved in accidents just because of their irresponsible behaviour. Mr Mabeo noted that road safety was quickly becoming a public health and economic development issue, adding that if left unattended it could rob the country of skilled manpower and reverse developments. 

“It is for this reason that my ministry under the Department of Road Transport and Safety has invited all stakeholders to collectively combat this social issue that continues to claim the lives of our people,” he said.

The minister said he took comfort in seeing youth groups being involved in the fight against road accidents.

“I therefore encourage the youth to go out and educate your peers on road safety issues.  The Department of Road Transport and Safety will continue to forge partnerships with its stakeholders, including youth to collectively accomplish the goal of “safer roads, safer road users and safer vehicles,” as pronounced in the United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011 – 2020,” he stated. Ends