The Ministry of Transport, Works, and Infrastructure, in collaboration with the National Road Safety Working Group, officially launched a community road safety awareness campaign on Monday, October 21, 2024, under the theme “Safe Roads Save Lives.” The event took place in Pirang Village, Kombo East District, West Coast Region.
Speaking at the launch, Ms. Sainabou Houma, Director of Transport, emphasized the critical importance of road traffic safety as a public health and development priority. She highlighted the alarming rise in road accidents, referencing the 2023 Police Accident Report, which recorded over 900 accidents, including 119 fatalities.
“Reckless driving, non-compliance with traffic laws, speeding, and drunk driving are major contributors to these accidents—most of which are preventable,” Ms. Houma said. She noted that the Ministry, in collaboration with the National Road Safety Working Group, is committed to addressing these issues through proactive community engagement.
The Director explained that the campaign aims to educate and empower communities to practice safe road habits, encourage responsible driving, and promote adherence to traffic regulations, with the goal of reducing fatalities and serious injuries.
Key areas of focus include increasing seat belt use, discouraging drunk driving, reducing speeding, preventing distracted driving, promoting helmet use, and improving understanding of traffic signs and safe crossing practices.
The World Health Organization (WHO) representative, Dr. Momodou Gassama, urged the community to take road safety seriously, noting that road accidents have had devastating impacts on families. “We need to exercise patience on the road, especially when traveling in vehicles,” he said, adding that passengers often encourage drivers to speed, leading to accidents. Dr. Gassama also urged parents to teach their children road safety skills.
Similar sentiments were shared by Assistant Superintendent of Police, Mr. Amadou Bojang. Additionally, a representative from the Gambia Red Cross Society provided a demonstration on life-saving first aid techniques and encouraged the community to learn these skills.
The campaign, which targets five communities—Pirang, Sibanor, and Kalagi (West Coast Region) and Kiang Kiaf and Jarra Pakaliba (Lower River Region)—seeks to raise awareness in accident hotspots and reduce the incidence of road accidents and fatalities.
