Heavy deployment by gendarmes on the country’s highways during the recent Christmas and New Year travel largely paid off as there were fewer accidents, compared to previous years. Speaking to reporters in Ngoung, about 120 km from Yaounde, on the Yaounde-Douala highway during a road safety exercise on January 9, 2016, Col. Zacharie Fossi from the National Gendarmerie headquarters, said gendarmes worked round the clock, thereby dissuading many potential erring motorists.

“As a result, there were also fewer highway offences, though over-speeding remained the most recurrent. Since the start of 2016, the momentum has been maintained,” Col. Fossi pointed out. He attributed recent cases of road accidents on the Yaounde-Bafoussam highway to the degraded state of most sections of the road. “Some people think that because they drive big vehicles, they must necessarily over-speed. This should not be the case as speed restrictions apply to everyone,” the Colonel explained. 

On the other hand, ace Makossa artiste, Grace Decca, who was travelling from Yaounde to Douala, stopped by at the Ngoung Checkpoint to congratulate gendarmes for doing a good job. She also noted that road safety campaigns have over the years helped in reducing the number of deaths from highway accidents. “Each time I travel, I am sure of getting to my destination safely because gendarmes are on the highways keeping watch. I respect the rules by always fastening my seat belt and acquiring all what is needed. The checks and searches might at times be uncomfortable, but are necessary to ensure safety,” Grace Decca told reporters.  

Last weekend’s road safety campaign saw the search of passengers and luggage with metal detectors and check of vehicle particulars. Erring motorists were booked and asked to pay corresponding fines. Those who could not, gave statements and their matter referred to the State Counsel at Eseka in Nyong and Kelle Division for action.