RTSA CALLS FOR CONCERTED EFFORTS TO CURB ROAD TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS

RSTA highway patrol vehicle

Road Transport and Safety Agency (RATSA) Public Relations Officer Mukela Mangolwa has called for a strengthened partnership with stakeholders in curbing road traffic accidents in the country which are on the increase.

Mr Mangolwa said road traffic accidents are on the increase hence the need for concerted efforts from all stakeholders if the problem is to be redressed.

He said this in Solwezi yesterday in an interview with ZANIS during a community Road Show awareness campaign.

Mr. Mangolwa said RTSA has intensified awareness campaigns through road shows to sensitize road users on the importance of road safety in four provinces where there are reports of increased road traffic accidents namely Northwestern, Eastern, Copperbelt and Southern Province.

He said other initiatives in force are information road blocks and the launched seat belt campaign.

Mr. Mangolwa observed that 50 percent of motorists in Solwezi do not wear seat belts  when driving a situation he described as unfortunate and cautioned road users to be always wary of road safety rules.

Speaking earlier, RATSA Regional Manager Anthony Chewe said the province has recorded over 100 road traffic accidents since January this year.

Mr. Chewe said most road traffic accidents that happen in the province are caused by reckless driving, ignoring road signs and drunkenness.

He thanked Lumwana and Kansanshi mines for coming on board to help reduce road traffic accidents especially in Solwezi district by financing the putting up of road sign and humps.

ZANIS