By: Audrey Raymonda John
Sierra Leone’s road safety situation remains dire, largely due to a growing number of vehicles on the roads and the ineffective implementation of road safety measures. Experts warn that while economic development contributes to increased mobility, it also intensifies road safety challenges.
Data collection for road safety accidents (RSA) in Sierra Leone remains inconsistent. Various sources provide differing figures, and there is no standardized system for RSA data management across the relevant agencies.
In response to the most recent tragic accident along the Kambia Highway, Madam Susan Bona widely regarded as one of Sierra Leone’s most influential women—expressed her deep condolences to the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) over the death of David Olu Williams, a dedicated SLBC staff member, and Emily, an intern with the Budget Advocacy Network (BAN).
Reacting to the alarming trend of fatal road accidents, Madam Bona raised serious concerns over the frequency and severity of crashes in the country. She attributed many of the tragic incidents to the shortcomings of the Sierra Leone Roads Safety Authority (SLRSA), citing weak enforcement and poor road safety management.
According to Bona, “Poor vehicle maintenance and reckless driving are key causes of these accidents and many of them could be avoided.”
She noted that out of every five vehicles operating in Sierra Leone, particularly in Freetown, at least two or three have critical faults, including worn-out tires, excessive exhaust emissions (black smoke), or faulty lighting systems.
“These are serious hazards that must not be ignored,” she said, calling on the SLRSA to take urgent and robust action to reduce road traffic deaths and injuries.
Madam Susan Bona is urging the SLRSA and other authorities to treat the escalating rate of road accidents as a national emergency and to enforce stricter regulations to prevent further loss of life.