06 Nov 2016

Police have recorded 412 road accidents within the Palapye policing area this year.

Speaking during a Road Safety Fun Day in Palapye recently, traffic officer, Assistant Superintendent Obonetse Tuelo, said the number of accidents that occured in Palapye and surrounding villages was worrisome.

He attributed the cause of accidents to human behaviour particularly drunken driving and over speeding.

He however cautioned motorists and pedestrians to drive carefully and obey road traffic signs.

Ast Supt Tuelo also urged those riding on donkey carts to avoid travelling at night and put reflectors on their carts or wear reflective clothes.

Assistant Superintendent Tuelo said though the police often charged motorists over traffic offences, it was important for motorists to obey traffic signs at all times and avoid obeying traffic signs only when they saw the police.

He said the police might come up with interventions to curb road accidents but it was upon the motorists to ensure they drove carefully.

He urged farmers to keep their livestock away from roads as some accidents were caused by stray animals and also called for communication between motorists so that they could work collectively to curb road accidents.

During the day, children and members of the community were educated on safety measures they could employ to avoid road accidents.

Palapye area recorded 497 road accidents in 2014 and 557 in 2015, he added.

For his part, Mr Oratile Sekopecwe of Emergency Medical Service (EMS) shared information on EMS and urged them to call EMS when there is a life threatening condition.

He pleaded with drivers to cooperate with them whenever there is an emergency vehicle on response to pave way for that vehicle so that patients are given medical attention on time.

He urged members of the public to avoid interfering with EMS whilst carrying out their duty by taking photos and posting them on social media. ENDS