RUBAVU - Motorists in Rubavu District, yesterday, applauded the Road Safety Week, saying it would check on road accidents.

The campaign is an annual countrywide drive mounted by Police to sensitise motorists, the general public and all road users to prevent and control accidents in the country.

"This campaign is timely because we had many accidents in Rubavu. We hope we shall learn a lot during this week and minimise accidents,” Eric Bazimaziki, a motorist said.

Noting that some motorists and other road users deliberately disregard traffic regulations, Bazimaziki urged the public to respect traffic rules.

However, some motorists complained of harassment by members of transport cooperatives who ‘maliciously’ arrest motorists accusing them of traffic offences while seeking bribes.

The Minister of Defence, James Kabarebe, who launched the campaign in the district, called upon all stakeholders to work together to ensure prevention and control of accidents.

"The government will not sit back as people continue to die due to reckless drivers; people are the country’s number one resource,” said Kabarebe.

He added that the country cannot stand by and watch preventable deaths resulting from irresponsible driving.

"Drivers don’t have to be policed around, but rather play their duties and responsibilities and understand the value of human life,” he explained.

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