10 Dec 2017

Managing director for Doctor’s Inn, Dr Maxwell Nhlatho says the success of road safety campaigns and strategies depend on a collective role played by all stakeholders.

Speaking at the remembrance for road traffic victims for Maun region in Chanoga recently, Dr Nhlatho said individuals could significantly contribute to reducing road accident harms and vulnerability of human life and property only when road safety was made an individual and social responsibility. 

“As road users we can individually and collectively take necessary actions to prevent our own deaths and harm on the roads including those of other users,” he said.

He further said accidents were also worsened by the rapid rise in vehicle population, which resulted in the increase of vehicle traffic on the roads.

He called for a robust approach, which was necessary to realise the dividends as well as reduce atrocities that befall the nation and victims’ families.

Furthermore, Dr Nhlatho highlighted that young people were the most highly affected group as compared to others; hence the loss of intellects and workforce that could advance the administration and economic gains of the country.

He said the loss and injuries of people through road accidents came at a huge social and economic cost to government as resources were being diverted from other economic needs of the country to address the aftermath of accidents.

He pleaded with the gathering to take road safety seriously and make it a personal commitment and encouraged passengers to take responsibility of their own safety.

Dr Nhlatho appealed to livestock owners to take care of their livestock that was always left to stray; hence contributing to road accidents particularly at night and in early mornings.

Department of Road Transport and Safety regional manager, Ms Reginah Mapharing told the gathering that the objectives of the day was to raise public awareness on road safety issues and to remember those who had succumbed to the road crashes scourge. 

Ms Mapharing said the day called for intensive actions and to build on effective partnerships and participation by all to combat the carnage.

She further informed the gathering that from January to November this year, the region had registered about 31 deaths, 33 fatalities and 63 serious injuries. ENDS