By Fatmata Grace Okekearu Bo City
In response to the increasing number of accidents involving tipper trucks in the southern region, the Sierra Leone Police Bo East Division, along with the Local Police Partnership Board (LPPB), held an important meeting with drivers on Friday. The session aimed to find solutions to this serious problem, under the theme “You Own a Car, Not the Road.”
The meeting brought together stakeholders from various organizations to discuss ways to reduce accidents in the Bo district. Salu Bah, chairman of the Tipper Drivers’ Union, admitted that many accidents were caused by the negligence of tipper truck drivers. He stressed the importance of following safety rules and talked about the Union’s efforts to teach drivers about safe driving. During the meeting, one driver commented that “speed” is a quick route to death for reckless drivers, highlighting the dangers of irresponsible driving.
The discussions also revealed a strong link between accidents and substance abuse among drivers. Mohamed Kabba Conteh, District Traffic Officer (DTO) from the Bo East Police Division, shared worrying statistics: in 2023, 20 people died in accidents, with tipper trucks responsible for 8 of these accidents. The situation in 2024 is also concerning, with 18 deaths and 15 tipper truck accidents already reported in the district.
Conteh further noted that the second most problematic group of accidents involves okada (motorbike taxi) riders. He criticized their slogan, “When you touch one, you touch all,” as it encourages bad behavior and is harmful to society. He urged them to find a better slogan that promotes safety and positive behavior. He mentioned that when an okada rider causes trouble, their fellow riders often quickly gather and cause more problems before the police arrive, leading to damage to lives and property.
In contrast, Conteh praised the keke (tricycle taxi) riders, stating that since 2023, there has been only one recorded accident and one death involving a keke.
This initiative highlights the importance of community cooperation in tackling road safety issues and ensuring a safer environment for everyone.