The Road Safety Department has launched a Campaign that is meant to address the increasing road crashes in the country, caused by amongst others, over speeding, drinking and driving.
The Campaign was launched by the Minister of Transport Mr. Tšoeu Mokeretla, during a ceremony held at the Palace Hotel in Berea on Wednesday June 22, 2022.
The aim of the campaign is to educate and remind the drivers of their responsibilities on the road, which is to protect themselves and other road users being other drivers, passengers or pedestrians alike, through responsible driving.
In his speech, the Minister applauded the Road Safety Department for focusing on those that trigger an increase in road fatalities, adding that it is sad that each year lives are lost, mostly through accidents that are caused by reckless driving, negligence and drunken driving.
“This means that more Basotho continue to be in danger each year, and therefore I urge all stakeholders to do everything in their power to help stop or at least decrease the road accidents which are mostly uncalled for and can be avoided,” he added.
He concluded by thanking Road Fund for always making the Department’s initiatives possible through Funding, further acknowledging that the Campaign was made possible by sponsorship from the Fund.
Speaking at the same occasion, the Area Chief Mrs. ‘Makhapane Tjobe expressed her happiness about the campaign, adding that lately there has been an increase in car accidents and loss of lives on that road, and that affected her negatively and rendered her a failure as the Area Chief.
During the launch, there was performance of a Drama meant to raise awareness about the pressure which most of the taxi drivers face from their employers which lead to over speeding. It also touched on the dangers of driving while under the influence of alcohol.
Following the launch, the Campaign will run every last week of the month, at identified black spots across the country.
The Road Fund Sponsorship for the Campaign is divided into quarters, and this quarter has been funded to a tune of M750,000.00.
