Rwanda National Police

By Sgt Marie Grace Munezero

As the festive season approaches, many of us will be heading out onto the road and leaving our homes for vacation destinations. Make sure you, your family and your insured possession are safe during the holidays.

It seems everyone is in a hurry trying to wrap up their shopping and enjoy festive celebrations. But as you are confident around town or elsewhere, it is important to keep road safety in mind, as the streets are busier and drivers are distracted by their holiday to do lists.

Everyone’s movements and businesses to celebrate make the festive season a sensitive period, where accidents tend to increase and a lot of people lose lives due to over speeding, distracted driving, drunk driving or other reckless behavior while using roads.

A 2018 World Health Organization report indicates that, globally, 1.35 million people die each year as a result of road traffic crashes, with people aged between 5 and 29 being the most affected.

In Rwanda, about 5000 road crashes were registered last year, claiming lives of about 700 people and seriously injuring 2000 others. Motorcyclists, cyclists, and pedestrians account for approximately 54 percent of road traffic victims.

Last year’s road accidents destroyed over 3000 property in which about Rwf20 billion was spent in compensation.

This festive month needs precaution measures to prevent traffic related fatalities. The shown numbers are worrying, thus there is a need to address the otherwise preventable causes of road traffic accidents.

On May 13, 2019, Rwanda National Police (RNP) launched a road safety campaign dubbed ‘Gerayo Amahoro’ loosely translated as ‘arrive safe’ meant to reverse the rate of fatalities on road.

The 52 week-long campaign, tries to bring together all categories of road users, different government organs, and transport agencies among other actors; to persuade and motivate road users to change their attitudes, behaviors to improve road safety.

During this festive season, the campaign is focusing mainly on sensitization of road users particularly passengers, as well as on assessment of the outcome in terms of change in attitude and behavior in line with road safety principles.

Here are some aspects to consider while celebrating to make sure your life is not put at risk.

Drinking and driving is dangerous can cause  harm including fatality to yourself and to road users

Using a phone while on the road causes both physical and cognitive distraction, which can lead to road accidents.

If you want to dink alcohol, don’t drive. Plan a safe alternative to get home such as a cab or designated driver.

Other advises include ensuring the vehicle is in a roadworthy condition; to do simple vehicle maintenance, pre-trip inspections, and ensuring all vehicle occupants wear a seat belt. Drivers are further advised not to manipulate speed governors, motorcyclists are urged not to carry people without helmet, or violate road traffic signs.

If you are a pedestrians or a passenger do not hesitate to report drivers' wrong maneuvers or other violations by calling us in 113, 112, and 0788311110. Never cross if the red lights are on. Obey the road signs when approaching cross walks. Make sure vehicles are clear in both directions before crossing.

Pedestrians are urged to always use the left side of the road facing the incoming traffic and to avoid using a phone when crossing the road.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Gerayo Amahoro