By: Problyn J Alpha
The Superintendent Road Commander and Head of Station at the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA) for the North East Region, Sylvanus Bobson Yokie, has disclosed that in 2023, the Authority recorded a total of 269 fatal road accidents nationwide. Out of this figure, 157 involved women, and 112 involved men. Yokie provided this information while updating a correspondent on the SLRSA’s operations for 2023 and outlining plans for 2024 to mitigate road traffic crashes in his region and the country as a whole.
Yokie attributed the high incidence of road traffic crashes to several factors, with a primary focus on the poor road network in the country. He specifically highlighted the Gberray junction to Makeni as one of the hazardous roads.
Additionally, he emphasized that over-speeding by drivers is a major contributor to accidents, stating that many drivers exceed the national speed limit of 80 kilometers per hour, often reaching speeds of 120 kilometers per hour. Yokie noted that while bad roads pose challenges, the drivers’ behavior and understanding of road safety also play a crucial role in accidents.
Despite the challenges, Yokie reported a slight improvement in road traffic crashes in 2023 compared to 2022, with the number dropping from 296 to 269. He assured the public that the SLRSA is committed to enforcing traffic rules and regulations to enhance road safety.
Yokie stressed the need for additional equipment to aid the Authority in reducing traffic crashes. He expressed the importance of patrol vehicles, speed guns to monitor driver speeds, and speed traps to encourage caution on the road. Yokie called for the government’s support in providing these essential tools.
Furthermore, Yokie announced plans to intensify park-to-park sensitization and school campaigns in the Northern part of the country. The goal is to educate riders, drivers, and students on road safety measures. He urged the cooperation of the public to work together with the Authority in their efforts to reduce road traffic accidents in Sierra Leone.