23 May 2016

Assistant Superintendent Obonetse Tuelo of Palapye says 56 road accidents occurred in Palapye only during the month of April, claiming 13 lives.

Speaking during the walk and prayer organised by Department of Road Transport and Safety  (DRTS) on Friday, Assistant Superintendent Tuelo said eight people died in road accidents involving a vehicle to vehicle contact, three died on road accidents involving vehicles and train whereas two pedestrians lost their lives.

He said this was worrisome because the total number of people who died in road accidents for the first quarter of this year far exceeded the total number of people who died last year in the same quarter.

He said only 11 people lost their lives in the first quarter of last year.

He urged passengers to talk to drivers when they realise that the driver is driving recklessly, adding that a passenger’s voice is important.

For her part Road Safety Officer Ms Bakalanga Gammu said research has shown that most road accidents are caused by human behaviours, which include among others drunken driving, over speeding, over taking on barrier lines, violent driving and impatience on roads.

She said sometimes passengers influence drivers to speed up when they are in a hurry.

 She said it is better for a passenger to depart from home very early in order to be in an unhurried journey and to arrive safely.

She said due to road accidents, the country is losing important people before giving out their experience to the community and the development of the country thus affecting the economy.

She said this affects Botswana economically and it affects Batswana emotionally also since those affected by road accidents are their friends and relatives.

Mr Jafter Chamunongwa, a secretary from Evangelical fellowship Botswana said it is important to follow God’s standards by trusting and obeying him.

He said for people to be able to follow and obey the laws of the nation, they should first obey God, adding that God will protect them from road accidents.

The Department of Road Transport and Safety organised this event in collaboration with Palapye Road Safety Committee.

The event was marked by a walk from Palapye junction and prayer on three different spots along Gaborone/Francistown road. ENDS