24 May 2021

Francistown District Road Safety Committee has joined other districts in commemorating the road safety week after embarking on an inspection exercise in 19 primary schools in the district.

Speaking during implementation of road signage recently, traffic divisional commander number 1 and 15 district, Assistant Commissioner Modisaotsile Bonang said reducing speed limit to 30km/h, children crossing signs and road markings at pedestrian crossings, would reduce accidents.

He said the committee had selected three primary schools, which include Maradu, Nyangabgwe and Phatlhogo, to implement road signage.

Asst. Commissioner Bonang said the day was dedicated to raising awareness and advocate for road safety and make change that would reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries.

He noted that the event was commemorated under the theme: #Love 30 campaign to #Street for Life, adding the theme focused on the city street safety and the introduction of the 30km/h speed limit in built up areas such as school zones.

The objective for the week, he said, was to garner policy commitment at national and local levels to deliver 30 km/h speed limits and zones in urban areas, generate local support for such low-speed measures and build momentum towards the launch of the Global Plan for the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021 to 2030.

Maradu Primary School school head, Ms Maria Serumola, said the road signage initiative was a welcome development as the lives of learners, teachers and residents of that area were in danger of fast moving vehicles.

Ms Serumola said while the school was in the proximity of the road, drivers usually drove absent-mindedly and at high speed which endangered all road users.

She said last year, there were two fatal accidents by the school gate involving two elderly persons.

Ms Serumola noted that her school had Road safety Club which convened on Tuesdays and Wednesdays to sensitise learners.

She added that they periodically worked with police and Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Fund to assist in teaching learners. Ends