Rwanda National Police

In line with the ongoing Gerayo Amahoro, a year-long national road safety campaign, Rwanda National Police (RNP) in partnership with the union of driving schools in Rwanda (ANPAER), on Friday, extended road safety education to students and teachers of Groupe Scolaire Saint Paul, in Muko Sector, Rusizi District.

While speaking to over 730 students, Inspector of Police (IP) Louis Mbonigaba, the District Political and Civic Education Officer (DPCEO) reminded them to always be vigilant when using the road.

He also explained to students the role of Gerayo Amahoro campaign and its importance on their future.

The DPCEO said that the campaign was taken to schools to educate the young generation to grow up as responsible road users, which will save their lives as pedestrians or drivers, and that of others.  

“Proper road usage and respect for traffic control signs should be your priority when on the road. Doing that is for your own safety and that of other road users,” IP Mbonigaba said.

He added: “When walking, always use the left side of the road facing the incoming traffic; avoid using a phone when crossing the road. We are in the campaign called Gerayo Amahoro, which emphasizes positive attitudes and decisions when using the road; don't play in the middle of the road or cross at bend. Look left, right and left before crossing."

He urged them to be ambassadors of road security by sensitizing their friends, families and community members on proper road usage.

“Rwanda National Police and partners always sensitize the public to avoid behaviors that lead to fatal accidents such as driving under influence of alcohol or other psychotropic substances, speeding, using the phone when driving or crossing the road and other traffic violations. Whenever you are in a vehicle and you witness such drivers always call the Police,” IP Mbonigaba said.

The DPCEO further reminded the students, who use motorcycles that a motorcycle carries only one passenger.

He also took time to educate them on their rights, to desist from consuming alcoholic beverages for those below the age of 18 years as well as abusing drugs.

“Your lives matter, you are the future leaders of Rwanda, you have to avoid being victims of accidents and that means knowing how to use the road safely without causing or being a victim of an accident. Avoid playing on the roads and refuse whenever a motorcyclist wants to carry two passengers, it can be a cause of accident,” he emphasized.

Children and young people in primary and secondary schools constitute the biggest group of road users every day and must understand and learn how to use the road safely.

Students and teachers of Groupe Scolaire Saint Paul welcomed the campaign, commended RNP’s efforts in teaching road users and reducing accidents, and committed to working with the Police to prevent road carnage.