In a somber revelation, the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA) reports that road accidents have claimed the lives of at least 269 individuals from January to September 2023. This distressing statistic, disclosed by Ambrose Tucker, the Manager of Research and Development at SLRSA, underscores a critical concern for public safety.

The reported fatalities comprise 157 females and 112 males, with the age bracket of children left undisclosed. Although this figure represents a decrease from the same period in 2022, when 296 fatalities were recorded (219 males and 77 females), the current toll remains disconcerting.

Attributing the distressing trend to the overloading of vehicles with passengers and goods, coupled with reckless alcohol consumption by drivers, Mr. Tucker highlights the urgent need for interventions to curb this perilous situation.

In response to the escalating road safety crisis, the SLRSA has launched a digitized motor insurance database. This initiative aims to bring efficiency to operations and instill order in the insurance industry. The digital platform will facilitate the monitoring of vehicle licenses across the country, ensuring that only authorized drivers occupy the roads.

Furthermore, SLRSA staff will undergo training to proficiently distinguish authentic digitized stickers from counterfeit ones. This proactive measure is designed to mitigate the use of fake stickers, often employed to evade vehicle inspections and insurance requirements.

The commitment to enhancing road safety extends beyond digital advancements. Stricter penalties for drivers violating road safety regulations are on the horizon, accompanied by regular road safety campaigns to raise awareness among motorists.