The year 2024 was marked by a sad reality on the roads of the city of Butembo, in the East of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The National Commission for Road Safety (CNPR) Butembo branch recorded around 300 road accidents during this period. These alarming figures reveal a worrying situation in terms of road safety.
The statistics revealed by the interim head of the CNPR/Butembo branch, Muhindo Maliro Samuel, highlight a tragic toll: 88 people lost their lives and 215 were seriously injured in these accidents. These figures, although already very high, do not take into account material damage and minor injuries, thus testifying to the scale of the road tragedy experienced by the population of Butembo.
Among the triggers of these accidents, ignorance of the new highway code appears at the top of the list. Many drivers do not seem to master the basic rules of the road, thus endangering their lives and those of other road users. Drunk driving is also singled out as a major cause of these accidents. According to Mr. Muhindo Maliro Samuel, 90% of accidents are due to drunk driving, an irresponsible behavior that must be severely condemned.
Contrary to what some might think, the poor condition of the roads is not the main reason for these accidents. Indeed, the majority of incidents occurred on asphalt roads, particularly on the President of the Republic Boulevard. These figures highlight the need for increased awareness among drivers on the rules of the road and their responsibility on the road.
Faced with this alarming situation, the CNPR Butembo branch has launched an awareness campaign on road civic-mindedness, with the aim of informing and educating road users. It is essential that all drivers familiarize themselves with the new Highway Code and adopt responsible behaviors to prevent accidents and save lives.
In conclusion, road safety is everyone’s business. It is imperative that everyone contributes, through their behavior and compliance with traffic rules, to making our roads safer. Preventing road accidents requires continuous awareness-raising and collective awareness of the importance of safety on our roads. It is time to take effective measures to put an end to this road massacre and guarantee everyone the right to travel safely.
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