12 Jun 2016

Palapye is said to be the most affected village in accidents involving trains.

Botswana Railways (BR) safety, health, environment & quality officer, Mr Thato Matshaba said this during a strategy workshop organised by the Palapye District Road Safety Committee on Friday.

Mr Matshaba said out of the five train accidents that occurred this year, Palapye was leading with three accidents.

 He said in spite of signs warning drivers of level crossings and using sirens and flashlights on the trains to warn people of oncoming trains, these accidents still happened claiming three lives.

He also debunked the myth of a train pulling its victim by magnetic force, explaining that it was usually the case of drivers being overwhelmed by fright, causing them to freeze as a result of shock.

He advised drivers not to try and save the car but rather to leave it and save their lives, adding that BR was using television and radio campaigns to teach the public about safe level crossing.

For his part, Palapye Police Traffic Officer Assistant Superintendent Obonetse Tuelo informed stakeholders that statistics showed that accidents are increasing each year with 16 fatal accidents having recorded in Palapye since the beginning of this year.

He said vehicles mostly affected were sedans.

Assistant Superintendent Tuelo emphasised that these accidents could have been avoided as in most cases the driver was usually at fault.

For his part, a representative from Palapye Emergency Medical Services, Mr Oratile Sekopecwe informed stakeholders about post-crash management. ENDS

Mr Sekopecwe explained that it was vital that emergency services reach accident victims during the golden hour, which was a critical period after the accident adding that it was therefore important for the public  to make way for ambulances on the roads.