The Ministry of Transport organised a one-day workshop recently in Bamenda.

It is on record that about 90 per cent of road accidents result from human behaviour such as high speed, non-respect of traffic signs, influence of alcohol and overloading, amongst others. In the North West region, for example, it is not uncommon to find small four-passenger vehicles carrying up to eight persons and plying the Bamenda-Bafut, Bamenda-Kumbo and Bamenda-Mbengwi highways.

Asked why the practise overloading, most drivers told CT that the numerous police and gendarmerie checkpoints on the way require the payment of some amount of money. As such, they overload their cars so as to be able to have fuel money and make profit. Despite the heavy presence of police and gendarmerie on highways, the rate of accidents on these roads remains high.

Against this backdrop, the Ministry of Transport recently organised a workshop to strengthen the capacities of stakeholders on road safety measures. The workshop that brought together key actors in the sector such as drivers, teachers, drivers syndicate activists, journalists and uniform officials, amongst other road users, was a rare moment for the different stake holders to look for means of curbing road accidents and making our roads safer. The one-day workshop saw the presentation of papers on various topics. According to the head of mission from Yaoundé, Ketchatcham Ngamy Guy, participants at the workshop are expected to help educate the population on road safety measures.