82 percent of road accidents caused by drivers

The Ministry of Transport has revealed that, 3,500 accidents occur nation-wide each year, causing on the average 13,000 deaths. About 82 percent of the accidents were noted to have been caused by drivers. Going by the World Bank statistics, 12 people from the ages of 5 to 29 are victims of road accidents in the country yearly since 2010.

The Douala-Bafoussam highway was noted to be one of the most dangerous with over 60 per cent and about 50 per cent on the Yaounde-Douala stretch.

It states that FCFA 100 billion was lost to road accidents in 2008, while projects worth FCFA 200 billion risk being lost in 2015, with an estimated 7,000 people likely to be wounded and disabled.

Although the bank’s representative, Peter Taniform, disclosed during a Coaliroute-organised workshop in Douala that there has been some 30 per cent reduction in road accidents annually since 2010 owing to efforts at improving road infrastructure, communication, sensitisation and persuasive measures by road safety agents, much still needs to be done.

It is in this light that Safe Way Right Way Foundation is organising a sensitisation caravan on the Douala-Yaounde highway from May 5-7, 2015, aimed at educating people on road safety tips.

Foundation Director, Cécile Eyike, told a news conference in Bali, Douala, April 24, 2015, that the accidents were a direct consequence of increase in car ownership and stubbornness by drivers to adopt responsible behaviour.

The slogan “Save Kids’ Lives” chosen for the 2015 UN Road Safety Week reflects the need to undertake activities that educate road users about the vulnerability of kids.

The foundation will hold video projections and sensitisations at Yassa, Edea and Pouma to draw the attention of drivers to respect speed limits, pedestrians’ rights and road safety rules.

Key messages on road safety will be delivered through popular demonstrations, musical attractions, quizzes, posters, flyers and stickers targeting school children or students, pedestrians, drivers and residents.