Why we all must get involved in road safety activities.

The journey to safer roads is one that can only thrive if all stakeholders involved play their part. This has for decades been far from the norm with mainly pedestrians leaving this upto the motorcyclist or the guy behind the wheel. According to the World Health Organisation, approximately 1.3 million people die each year as a result of road traffic crashes. It further elaborates that 93% of the world’s fatalities on the roads occur in low- middle income countries, in which Uganda lies, even though these countries have approximately 60% of the world’s vehicles. Research done by multiple experts has time and again confirmed that road traffic injuries are the leading cause of death for children and young adults. 

As part of the activities attached to the ongoing Global Road Safety Partnership (GRSP) project, we at URRENO have engaged with a couple of key policy makers to see how we can bring down the numbers of fatalities. On the 2^nd of February 2022, we had a meeting with The Uganda Police at their offices in Nateete who agreed to join us on the journey to advocate for policy reviews. Emphasis is currently on helmet and the blood and alcohol concentration levels.

ASP Auma Sylvia, the admin in the traffic department in her opinion expressed many concerns, highlighting on the absence of training schools for motorcylists as one of the main cause of accidents. 

With many such strong voices backing up our fight, we are positive that soon we shall attain our goal of reduced accidents on our roads.