By: Ebrima Mbaye
Road safety remains a pressing concern in The Gambia as the nation grapples with increasing road accidents. The story of a 19-year-old girl who stepped onto the road only to become a statistic in the country’s road accident crisis highlights the urgency of this issue.
In 2023 alone, 148 lives were lost in road accidents, and by January 2024, 102 incidents had been reported on the Bertil Harding Highway.
Lamin King Colley, Commissioner of Mobile Traffic, points to several factors exacerbating the situation. These include drivers operating vehicles with faulty brakes and worn-out tires or who are under the influence of alcohol and drugs. “These factors, combined with reckless speeding, make our roads dangerous,” he notes.
For individuals like Fatou Cham, who lost her brother to a reckless driver in 2023, the impact is deeply personal. “My brother was coming home when a driver ran a red light. We need stricter enforcement of traffic laws to prevent others from suffering this pain,” Cham expressed.
The Standing Committee on Defence and Security has proposed implementing a national speed limit to address these challenges. This measure aims to curb the alarming rise in road accidents, particularly speeding-related.
Understanding the Causes of Road Accidents
Road accidents in The Gambia arise from multiple preventable factors. Critical issues include reckless driving and overspeeding. Many drivers exceed speed limits, especially on highways, and engage in dangerous overtaking maneuvers.
Experts believe Some also drive Under the Influence (DUI). Impairment from alcohol or drugs significantly contributes to accidents. Poor Road Infrastructure: Inadequate road conditions can lead to hazardous driving environments; inadequate Driver Training and Licensing: Ensuring drivers are adequately trained and licensed is crucial to improving road safety.
Addressing these root causes is essential for The Gambia to achieve safer streets by 2030. Through concerted efforts in enforcing traffic laws, improving infrastructure, and enhancing driver education, there is hope for reducing road accidents and a safer future for all road users.
The Gambia’s efforts to enhance road safety have taken a significant step forward. In October 2024, the Ministry of Transport, Works, and Infrastructure launched a nationwide road safety awareness campaign. This initiative targets schools in high-risk areas.
As outlined in the Gambia Road Safety Strategy, Saikou Kujabi, Principal Transport Regulatory Officer, emphasized the government’s dedication to achieving zero road fatalities by 2030. This comprehensive plan focuses on upgrading infrastructure, enforcing stricter regulations, and fostering public awareness.
Despite these efforts, The Gambia continues to face significant challenges in improving road safety. In 2023, the Gambia Police Mobile Traffic Unit reported 1,210 accidents and 148 fatalities, highlighting the country’s high incidence of road traffic deaths. The Bertil Harding Highway, newly expanded to alleviate congestion, has become a high-risk area, with 102 accidents recorded in just one month.
While the government’s strategy is promising, its success hinges on effective implementation, active public involvement, and sustained commitment. These elements will be crucial in addressing the persistent challenges and achieving the ambitious goal of safer roads by 2030.
Reducing road accidents in The Gambia, as emphasized by experts, requires a comprehensive and multifaceted approach. Among the effective strategies is to improve road infrastructure: Ensure the safety of road users, which can be significantly enhanced by repairing damaged roads, filling potholes, and installing appropriate signage and streetlights. Enforce Traffic Laws Strictly: Deterring dangerous behavior can be achieved by introducing speed cameras, conducting random alcohol tests, and imposing heavy fines for traffic violations. Enhance Driver Education and Licensing: By implementing mandatory training programs and rigorous testing, the aim is to ensure that only qualified drivers are allowed on the roads.
The path to safer streets in The Gambia is undoubtedly challenging, yet it promises a brighter future. A combination of government initiatives, active community participation, and enhanced traffic law enforcement can make significant progress.
For those families who have experienced the pain of losing loved ones or are dealing with the consequences of road accidents, the need for proactive measures is clear.
The Gambia’s ambitious 2030 goal of achieving zero fatalities on its roads underscores the importance of a collective effort. Achieving this goal will depend on sustained commitment and a unified determination to ensure the nation’s roads are safe for all users.
