12 Dec 2016

Motorists have been urged to exercise carefulness and responsibility, so that all lives could be preserved during this festive season.

The Hukuntsi Sub-district council, senior assistant council secretary, Mr Joseph Banyatsang who was speaking during the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Accident Victims recently in Kang, said statistical figures from the Botswana Police Service indicated that 411 lives were lost in 2015.

To date, he said 337 lives had already been lost between January 1 and October 13 this year as a result of road crashes.

Mr Banyatsang stated that the main objective of the day was to provide recognition to those who unfortunately succumbed to traffic crashes and the impasse faced by their loved ones who continue to live with the disturbing and pragmatic results of such tragedies.

He further said the observation of the day signals the Ministry of Transport and Communication’s continued effort towards promoting an efficient, effective, reliable, sustainable and safe road transport system in Botswana, with traffic safety as its hallmark.

He emphasised the need to take proper precautions especially when driving at night because even though traffic maybe less on the road, there were other factors such as fatigue and strained eyes, which should not be underestimated.

Mr Banyatsang also appealed to motorists to reduce speed at night and to increase following distance because it was more difficult to judge the speed and distance of other vehicles at night.

Furthermore, he implored drivers to avoid driving after indulging in alcohol and adhere to traffic laws and regulations.

He also warned pedestrians to exercise caution when walking near the road.