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Kinyarwanda
The Rwanda National Police has launched the 2014 countrywide 'Road Safety Month' edition to further sensitize road users on traffic rules and enforce road security.
The official launch of the exercise meant to combat road accidents was held on August 12 in Gatsibo District, Eastern Province.
The Inspector General of Police Emmanuel K. Gasana said road accidents caused especially by errant drivers, are of great concern and that the force has risen the bar to fight and prevent them.
He said about 40 people have died in road accidents across the country in the last one month, 17 of them in Gatsibo.
He blamed drivers for the continued fatal accidents which result out of over speeding, driving when tired and when speaking on phone adding that the force and other partner institutions have devise stringent measure to tackle them.
The RNP and other ministries, on Monday, announced various measures including multiplying penalties up to nine times, to combat accidents.
Others include confiscating driving licenses from defiant drivers, installing speed governors in public vehicles and heavy trucks, enforcing vehicle mechanical inspection as well as sensitizing road users on traffic rules.
The Police Chief also conveyed heartfelt condolences to the families that lost members and friends in tragic accidents.
The Governor of the Eastern Province, Odette Uwamariya, who officiated at the launch commended RNP for its tireless efforts to enforce road safety.
She appealed to residents to be key partners in the battle to fight and prevent road accidents.
“Rwanda National Police cannot be everywhere. You, the public, have the primary obligation of reporting drivers that put your lives in danger and work together towards behavioural change of road users," Governor Uwamariya said.
Uwamariya further noted that the Eastern Province has also devised various strategies such as establishing roadside parking and resting stations for drivers.
