By a correspondent
Cameroon’s Minister of Transport, Jean Ernest Massena Ngalle Bibehe, has announced a special road safety campaign geared towards averting the rate of accidents being recorded. The campaign which began on June 5 is programmed to run until September 30, 2024.
The move was outlined in a press release issued last May 31 and made public on June 4 by the Ministry of Transport.
The campaign’s primary objective is to reduce road accidents by focusing on preventing and deterring risky behaviors. Targeted actions will be taken against speeding, driving under the influence, dangerous overtaking, neglecting seat belts, and other common infractions. Law enforcement and Ministry agents will be deployed to ensure strict adherence, with penalties including fines and license suspensions for offenders.
Road accidents are a major public health concern in Cameroon, causing thousands of casualties annually. Statistics from the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) in 2019 report an average of 16,583 accidents and 1,500 deaths yearly, leaving a devastating trail of grief and trauma.
Beyond human suffering, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that road accidents cost Cameroon up to 3% of its GDP annually. These funds, redirected towards infrastructure and social services, highlight the economic importance of road safety for national well-being and prosperity.
This campaign underscores the Cameroonian government’s commitment to ensuring road safety for its citizens and fostering a culture of responsible driving. Through collaborative efforts, a safer road environment can be created for all.