Road Traffic Directorate in safe driving initiative

The Directorate of Road Traffic and Safety Services has trained 100 motor vehicle drivers from Karonga and Chitipa in defensive driving techniques to reduce road accidents in the two border districts.

Speaking in Saturday at the opening of a two-day generic defensive driving course in Karonga, the directorate’s regional officer (North) Maurice Mabvumbe said the training was part of the strategies his institution has put in place to reduce road accidents.

He said: “In 2022, the country recorded 5 553 road accidents that killed 1 068 while in 2023, the country registered 4 977 that killed 1 100.

“About 95 percent of these accidents were caused by reckless driving. So, the training seeks to reduce these road accidents.”

Paramount Chief Kyungu of Chitipa and Karonga districts cautioned passenger vehicle drivers in the two districts to remain vigilant on the road to avoid accidents.

He said: “Most of these fatal road accidents are avoidable if drivers refrain from reckless driving.

“They should always observe road traffic rules and signs. For example, over-speeding, overtaking at prohibited places and overloading passengers are some of the things drivers ought to avoid.”

Kyungu has since urged traffic police officers in the two districts to enforce road traffic rules if the country is to register zero accidents.

One of the participants, Ramsey Simwaka, commended the directorate for the training, saying it was a timely intervention.

“The training is important. Road users have to be acquainted with road traffic rules and road signs. So, at the end of the training, I am sure our driving skills will improve for the better,” he said.

James Ng’oma, a commuter at Karonga Boma, urged drivers to learn defensive driving skills to help protect passengers.