Africa-Press – Angola. Drivers, in the province of Luanda, consider the measures presented in the Draft Law for Revision of the Road Code to be assertive, with emphasis on zero tolerance for alcohol consumption by professionals in public services, taxi drivers and motorcycle taxi drivers.
The position was expressed this Wednesday, during round in some arteries of the city of Luanda, as road accidents are the second cause of death in the country after malaria, due to non-observance of traffic rules.
The Draft Law for the Revision of the Highway Code is intended to alter the road accident situation, thus increasing the fines for violators, adjusting the matter on the levels of alcohol in the body of drivers, improving technical procedures for application of sanctioning measures to inhibit driving, reducing the feeling of impunity for drivers and clarifying the legal and technical definitions of the code.
For the young taxi driver, Canhoca José, the project for the Revision of the Highway Code is a good initiative, as it comes, among other measures, to reduce the consumption of alcoholic beverages.
“Drinking and driving don’t go together, because they create a lot of damage on the road. I advise all taxi drivers not to drink alcohol when they are working”, he said.
As for the rule that stipulates that the Traffic and Road Safety Directorate (DTSR) should proceed with the blocking and removal of vehicles, Canhoca José considered it to be a good idea, considering that there is a higher cost when inspectors do this.
In turn, taxi driver Alcino António said that the review is positive since the driver must not consume alcoholic beverages and, if he does, it must be during his break.
The public transport service driver, Elísio Sebastião, considers the revision of the Law correct, since when the driver consumes alcohol and goes behind the wheel, he puts at risk not only his own life, but also that of the passengers.
With regard to the reduction of speed in urban areas, from 60 KM/H to 50KM/H, Elísio Sebastião said it was correct.
In turn, the citizen Francisco António who uses public transport to get around, said that the measures presented in this bill are assertive, since these drivers carry many lives.
“The maximum responsibility lies with the driver and he must be full, lucid and assume the responsibilities of what he does”, he said.
For the private driver, Paulo Jerónimo, the removal of vehicle blockages was a gold mine for the administrations, which is why he considers it a correct adjustment, since motorists, even when they committed a violation of the Highway Code, were all sanctioned with the removal of the vehicle instead of a fine.
The Draft Law for Revision of the Highway Code also provides that foreign citizens must present their residence card, in addition to their passport and driving licence, to the traffic regulator.
It also provides for the National Police to license motorcycles instead of provincial governments, as well as municipal administrations.
As for giving way, MININT plans to include police escorts in emergency vehicles on duty.
The revision also foresees that proof of payment of the Motor Vehicle Tax (IVM) be presented to the traffic regulating agent.
According to data recently presented by the Ministry of the Interior, the country recorded, from January 2022 to June 2023, 20 thousand and 581 accidents, which resulted in the death of four thousand and 433 citizens.
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