Intensive training for drivers is crucial

Considering that most accidents (72per cent) were caused by careless and reckless driving, the police would do better by focusing on the quality of driver training.

I commend the police for their endeavours to reduce road accidents through checks especially for over speeding and drink-driving. However, the two vices accounted for only 3.9 per cent and 1.3 per cent of all road accidents in 2011, according to the UBOS Statistical Abstract. This means that we need to widen our focus and look at other areas if we are to significantly reduce road accidents.

Considering that most accidents (72per cent) were caused by careless and reckless driving, the police would do better by focusing on the quality of driver training.

Good driving skills can only be acquired through proper specialised training. Before a driving license can be issued, prospective drivers should be made to enroll and train for a period of, say, three months and be subjected to a written exam by Uneb in addition to the test drives to be conducted by the Police.

It was also reported that careless pedestrians were involved in 5.1 per cent of all accidents in 2011. It is evident that a considerable number of pedestrians lack the art of crossing roads, with some crossing diagonally through the middle of junctions instead of following designated crossing paths.

This has increased the risk and occurrence of accidents. Starting with children, a serious campaign should be conducted widely to sensitise on how to safely traverse roads on foot.

Ivan Katamba,
ikatamba@yahoo.com