South Sudan police conducts road safety training for motorists

June 10, 2010 (JUBA) — The training department at the ministry of internal affairs of the government of South Sudan is conducting a three-day long training for motor cycle riders popularly known as “boda boda”, as an effort to minimize road accidents.

General Achuil Tito, an inspector-general at the demonstration center in Jebel Kunjur, Juba, said his ministry is determined to reduce road accidents through creating awareness campaigns targeting mainly youth groups and pedestrians.

“This road safety training will not only benefit motorists but will also create awareness campaign with an aim to reduce road accidents among pedestrians,” said General Achuil.

Most of the youths riding motor cycles are ignorant of road safety regulations, so we have seen the need to train them on road safety regulations; he said adding that innocent lives have been taken away as a result of road accidents involving motorists.

“A lot of people die out of ignorance on the road compounded by lack of awareness. This is dangerous and needs to be discouraged, no one should die of accidents which can be avoided,” he advised

The course has been tailored to ensure that youths get educated on road usage and other safety regulations and ensures that motorists put on their head gear (helmets) at all times.

A survey conducted by Sudan Tribune revealed that almost 80% of the passengers who prefer to use motor cycle transport in most southern states capitals including Juba, the capital of regional government of southern Sudan do not wear helmets.

Deng Mawien Jok, said most of the youths riding motorcycles are often shabby, hence risking contracting skin diseases from the dirty helmets. Jok however said that by not putting on a helmet, they risk their lives if an accident happens.

According to him, he said most of the accident victims end up with broken limbs, simply because they do not wear head helmets. Agoth Tong Lual, a senke motor rider in Turalei said he simply dislikes putting on a helmet as he feels uncomfortable.

“It covers your head while riding and increases sweating. It is uncomfortable because it denies fresh air,” he said.

Earlier, General Achuil Tito said he was very optimistic that the course will benefit both motor cycle riders and passengers by reducing the rate of road accidents. He noted that the course would be continuous to ensure that people become knowledgeable of road safety regulations.

(ST)