By Lamin Njie
In line with the National Transport Policy- 2018-2027, the Ministry of Transport, Works and Infrastructure has developed a National Road Safety Strategy 2020-2030 with the ultimate goal to reduce road traffic accidents in The Gambia.
According to the Police Accident Report 2021, annually there are over 700 cases of road traffic crashes, 123 fatal cases. As a result, the Ministry of Transport, Works and Infrastructure has set an ambitious target of reducing the number of road traffic crashes to zero road fatalities and serious injuries in The Gambia by 2030.
As part of the implementation arrangement of the Road Safety Strategy, the multi-sectoral Road Safety Working Group (RSWG), has also developed a work plan for 2022, which identifies priority areas for actions in the year.
One of the priority areas of the working group is to embark on a nationwide campaign on road safety, commencing soon.
The nationwide campaign is aimed at raising public awareness and improves skills, attitudes, and behaviors of road users on road safety to reduce the prevalence of road traffic accidents.
During the tour, drivers will be sensitize on the dangers of over-speeding, helmet use, driving while drunk, and the importance of seat belt use among others.
According to officials of the Ministry, the campaign aims to see a significant reduction in the number of road fatalities and serious injuries across the country.
