Africa-Press – Mauritius. The findings of three research projects on road accidents by the Road Safety Observatory, were presented this morning during a ceremony held at the Caudan Arts Centre, in Port-Louis.
The Minister of Land Transport and Light Rail, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, Mr Alan Ganoo, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Mauritius (UOM), Professor Dhanjay Jhurry, and the Director of the Traffic Management and Road Safety Unit (TMRSU), Mr.
S. Jewon, were present. The research projects are namely: The Road Traffic Death and Injuries: The Shadow to GDP and Welfare in Mauritius; Understanding Road Users’ Behaviour and Attitudes in Mauritius; and Understanding Pedestrian Use of Crossing Facilities in Mauritius.
The research initiative is a joint collaboration of the Ministry of Land Transport and Light Rail, the UOM and the Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety of the University of Queensland.
In his address, Minister Ganoo underlined that the findings and recommendations of the research projects will be analysed for the formulation of policies and implementation of corrective measures and actions for enhanced road safety.
The straight forward recommendations are being executed whilst the other recommendations which need in-depth analysis would be implemented according to a defined timeline, he added. He assured that his Ministry intends to continue this partnership and further undertake research projects in priority areas of road safety.
The Minister recalled that the objective of the Road Safety Observatory is to advise on measures to reduce the number of road accidents or their severity based on the three pillars, namely those of Research, Capacity Building and Outreach.
Its mandate is to conduct research, capacity-building and outreach in partnership with Government and Industry to improve road safety in Mauritius, he stated.
While underscoring the alarming situation as regards the increasing number of road accidents, injuries and fatalities, with 71 victims recorded as at 06 September 2021 and 68 fatal road accidents, Mr Ganoo stressed that road safety is a matter of concern for everyone.
According to him, it is high time we act and Government, the private sector, the Civil Society and the common citizen must have the joint responsibility to reduce the incidence of road accidents, injuries and fatalities.
Furthermore, the Minister pointed out that in order address the road safety issue, a series of measures with accompanying legislations are being put in place, including: enhancing the system of driver licensing and training to improve the competence and capability of drivers, and the setting up of a Drivers’ Education and Training Centre.
He also indicated that as from January 2022 all riders of electric auto/motorcycles will have to wear helmet, fluorescent jacket and pass the driving test in order to improve safety of riders on our roads. He moreover appealed to owners of electric motorcycles to proceed with the registration process.
‘My Ministry is equally coming up with law enforcement to consider drug driving as an offence and penalties will range from a fine of not less than Rs 25,000 and not more than Rs 50,000 and an imprisonment term not exceeding five years’, he announced.
Mr Ganoo opined that no efforts should be spared in bringing a change in the road safety culture and continue assuming our responsibility to save the lives of our people.
For his part, Professor Jhurry spoke of the motivating factor behind the initiative, which is to respond and help solve the issue of road injuries and deaths in line with the Sustainable Development Goal 3, Target 3.6. He stressed on the need to set clear targets and consolidate actions to make an impact on the real issue.
He enumerated the World Health Organisation’s key components of the Save LIVES package to ensure road safety, which are speed management, leadership, infrastructure design, vehicle safety standards, enforcement of traffic laws and survival after a crash.
As for Professor Narelle Haworth from the Queensland University of Technology, who intervened online, she spoke of the online training that was conducted for Officers of the TMRSU.
The training focused on the need for a safe system on roads, so that they are healthy and livable for everyone, she pointed out. These, she added, include safer roads, road signs, safe space, safer vehicles, amongst others.
On his part, the TMRSU’s Director highlighted that the findings will influence decision-making at all levels to ensure road safety. He also announced that the Road Safety Observatory will create and update a website as an outreach tool.
The website, he explained, will also serve as a repository for the research findings and road safety matters which will be shared with all stakeholders.
