In the heart of the sprawling city of Kinshasa beats the frantic pulse of daily life, punctuated by the shrill honking of cars, the din of street vendors and the incessant ballet of motorcycles crisscrossing the streets. Among the latter, the famous motorcycle taxis, true knights of modern times, transport citizens from one point to another in a frantic but risky ballet.
Faced with this recurring scourge of road accidents involving motorcycle taxis, Totalenergies has decided to act to save lives with the innovative “1 helmet, 1 life” campaign. Indeed, the oil company took the lead by equipping 60 motorcycle taxi drivers with helmets, during a poignant ceremony at the Moulaert roundabout station in the commune of Bandal. This initiative, launched by Totalenergies as part of the fight against road deaths, brought together high-level representatives from the government of the City of Kinshasa, the Deputy Prime Minister of Transport and Communications, as well as the Minister hydrocarbons.
The general director of Totalenergies in the DRC, Baba Diallo, stressed the crucial importance of acting against road accidents, which claim an alarming number of lives each year. Based on alarming WHO statistics, he called for collective awareness to reverse the trend and put a stop to this road massacre. The “1 helmet, 1 life” campaign is therefore part of this dynamic of awareness-raising and concrete action to save lives, by teaching motorcycle drivers good practices and road safety principles.
The principles set out by Totalenergies for responsible driving of motorcycle taxis are not only vital reminders, but also commitments to the safety of all road users. Avoiding risky situations, protecting yourself and your passengers, respecting traffic rules, and maintaining your motorcycle are all fundamental pillars for harmonious coexistence on the roads of Kinshasa.
Beyond this noble initiative, it is essential that other actors, whether public or private, mobilize to strengthen road safety in Kinshasa. The UN resolution establishing “the decade for road safety between 2021 and 2030” calls for general mobilization to stem this scourge and save lives.
In conclusion, Totalenergies’ “1 helmet, 1 life” campaign is an inspiring example of civic engagement and social responsibility, which echoes the pressing call for peaceful and secure cohabitation on the roads of Kinshasa. May these concrete actions serve as a springboard towards a future where road safety will be a reality and no longer an inaccessible dream for the citizens of this bustling metropolis.