Africa-Press – Botswana. Botswana loses more than 400 people annually to road accidents while more than 1 800 get injured on the roads.
Globally, about 1. 35 million people die from road accidents annually, according World Health Organisation.
This was said by deputy chief of GaMmangwato, Kgosi Serogola Seretse in Serowe on Friday during an event to mark the launch of the 7th UN Global Road Safety week that ran from May 15 to 21 and was themed: Sustainable Transport.
Held every two years, Kgosi Seretse said this year’s theme challenged governments and their partners to rethink mobility, design road networks with the most at risk in mind, encourage walking and cycling so that people could become healthier, cities sustainable and societies equitable.
Kgosi Seretse stated that change of attitude and behavior towards walking, cycling and use of public transport was important in curbing unnecessary accidents and called upon companies, organisations and the public to participate in the activities lined up.
Tactical Emergency and Rescue Company director, Mr Molefi Kebonye said they partnered with Ba Isago University to offer education on natural disasters and rescue.
Mr Kebonye said the company was the first 100 per cent citizen owned company to offer first aid products and services and all that was around and about emergency.
‘’Going forward we would love to impart knowledge on the youth. We are formulating a diploma programme at the university so they may take part in these courses as careers,’’ said Mr Kebonye.
Botswana police Superintend Isaac Ringa from the traffic department stated that statistics of speeding and drunken driving were very high. He urged drivers to adhere to speed limits and reduce drinking while driving, to save lives.
He also expressed a concern about stray animals on the roads, especially on highways and encouraged drivers to exercise caution when driving at night and in the early hours of the morning.
In Kanye Thato Modiakgotla reports that road users were advised to think safety before embarking on journeys.
In a similar event organised by Kanye District Road Safety Committee in Kanye on Friday, Southern Epic Cycling Challenge, chief organiser, Mr Kaone Ramontshonyana stated that road safety should be at the core when coming up with ways of connecting different areas.
Mr Ramontshonyana said one of the slogans of the event #Rethink mobility and the theme: Sustainable Transport, were in line with President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi’s Reset Agenda.
“It is time for us to do things differently, that would lead to reduced road accidents. Let us each play our part,” he said.
Mr Ramontshonyana said it was important for governments to also think of safety when planning for movement of goods and people.
He said mindset change was vital in reducing road accidents and urged the public to walk where possible, use bicycles or make use of public transport. Public transport is cost effective and safe while walking and using bicycles reduces congestion on the roads, leading to reduced accidents and good health, Mr Ramontshonyana stated and added that the same methods reduced carbon emissions that caused climate change. The purpose of the event was to raise awareness and advocate for road safety and make changes that will reduce the number of escalating road deaths and injuries.
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