Local Government minister Francis Kaboneka has called on all road users and motorists, in particular, to have a collective responsibility to ensure sustainable road safety by respecting traffic rules.

Kaboneka delivered the message, yesterday, in Kicukiro District, where he officiated at the launch of the countrywide ‘Road Safety Month-2015,’ which is running under the theme, "Respect Traffic Rule: Save Lives.”

"Intense awareness activities calling for responsibility of road users, coupled with strong enforcement of traffic rules are required to change the way roads are used. There is need to disseminate more information about road safety programmes to overcome any form of ignorance that may be dangerous for road users,” Kaboneka told hundreds of residents, who turned up for the exercise.

He said the country’s development agenda is hinged on safety and security, thus, there is need to prioritise road safety education with a focus on challenges like drunk driving, speeding, negligence and driving cars with mechanical faults, which are among the major causes of road accidents in the country.

The event was also graced by the Mayor of Kigali City, Fidel Ndayisaba, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Emmanuel K. Gasana, senior Police officers and associations of drivers, among others.

IGP Gasana noted that ensuring road safety is not a one-day event but should be a daily routine for road users.

"We cannot let accidents be part of our daily lives. That is why we consider awareness on road safety as a continuous process and not a once-a-year event. Police implemented a comprehensive plan of action to reduce road accidents by involving residents through community policing and ensuring professionalism of traffic officers,” Gasana said.

"As we aspire for a sustainable and peaceful country, let every road user promote self-discipline as their duty to the nation.”

Police statistics show that at least 200 people died and more than 300 were injured in road accidents between January and June.

In general, 34 per cent of the victims were drivers and passengers, 30 per cent pedestrians, while motor and peddle cyclists contributed 23 per cent and 13 per cent, respectively.

The majority of the accidents were due to speeding, reckless driving, and using phones while driving.

‘Protect the youth’

Elsewhere, in the Western Province, the Minister in the President’s Office, Venancie Tugireyezu, also echoed the same message, but challenged leaders and elders to protect the youth as the future leaders of the country.

"You must respect Traffic Police at all times as they represent the law; violating their instructions is literally violating the laws. This is a moment for us to reflect on traffic rules; every citizen’s life is a treasure and very precious to the country, we cannot afford to lose a single life, we should always ensure safety of each other,” Minister Tugireyezu told residents of Nyabihu District.

Similar events were conducted in Eastern region (Kayonza District) presided over by the State Minister in charge of Transport, Alexis Nzahabwanimana, Northern region graced by the provincial executive secretary, Deo Kabagambe and Deputy Commissioner General of Police Stanley Nsabimana, while in the Southern Province, the event, held in Kamonyi District, was presided over by Governor Alphonse Munyentwari and the Deputy IGP in charge of Administration and Personnel, Juvenal Marizamunda.

The officials and Police officers engaged road users on road safety tips.

The event in all regions was marked with establishing and painting Zebra crossings, putting stickers with road safety message on vehicles and motorcycles and a road safety awareness walk.

The road safety month is an occasion to sensitise the public to become responsible road users, educate pedestrians on traffic rules and regulations and it will be enhanced by media programmes and community policing activities.

Special attention will be given to school children who will be educated and given road safety tips.