Rwanda National Police (RNP), on Friday, January 9, continued its Turindane, Tugereyo Amahoro road safety campaign in Kayonza District, calling on all road users to share responsibility in preventing road crashes and saving lives.

The outreach, held at Kayonza bus terminal, brought together truck drivers, public and private vehicle operators, motorcyclists, cyclists, passengers, and pedestrians to raise awareness on road safety and responsible road use.

The Gerayo Amahoro campaign promotes safer roads by encouraging responsible behavior, respect for traffic laws, and shared responsibility among all road users.

The Minister of Interior, Dr. Vincent Biruta said road safety can only be achieved through cooperation and individual commitment.

“The ultimate goal is peace and safety on our roads. Turindane, Tugereyo Amahoro means ‘I protect you, and you protect me.’ Every road user must understand and embrace their responsibility in ensuring the safety of others,” he said.

He noted that roads are critical national infrastructure that support economic development, trade, education, and social interaction, stressing that their effective use must go hand-in-hand with respect for traffic regulations.

“Our roads are shared by students, traders, pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, and drivers of both large and small vehicles. For all of us to use them safely, we must respect road signs, speed limits, traffic control lights, and instructions from traffic police officers,” he added.

The Minister further emphasized that compliance with traffic laws alone is not sufficient, urging road users to exercise responsibility, vigilance, and concern for others so that everyone reaches their final destination safely.

He also urged road users to understand and respect traffic police officers, whose duty is to ensure smooth traffic flow - guide, protect, and regulate traffic in the interest of all road users.

The Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP) in charge of Operations, CP Vincent Sano, said road traffic crashes are one of the leading causes of preventable deaths globally.

“Road accidents can be likened to a pandemic because of the number of lives they claim. As the campaign theme highlights, cooperation among road users is our strongest tool to reduce—and ultimately prevent—these tragedies,” DIGP Sano said.

He added that most road crashes are caused by poor road conditions, limited driving skills, and reckless behavior, urging road users to avoid risky practices such as speeding, drunk driving, and ignoring safety rules.

“When you are driving, you are responsible not only for yourself but also for the lives of others. Road safety is not an individual matter; it is a shared responsibility,” he stressed.

Eastern Province Governor, Pudence Rubingisa said Kayonza District is a key road junction linking major highways and handling heavy traffic daily.

He noted that the district receives over 550 cargo trucks and about 250 transit vehicles daily, in addition to local traffic, stressing the need for all road users to play their role in ensuring road safety.

While addressing the press, ACP Boniface Rutikanga, the RNP spokesperson, said that beyond traffic laws, drivers must use conscience, sound judgment, and caution to navigate unpredictable road conditions safely.

“Roads present unpredictable situations, including mechanical failures and natural hazards. A driver who lacks this sense of responsibility endangers others and should not be on the road,” ACP Rutikanga said.

The Turindane, Tugereyo Amahoro campaign continues nationwide, promoting public awareness, cooperation, and accountability, with the goal of fostering lasting behavioral change and reducing road crashes across Rwanda.