Retrospective:

937 Cameroonians Killed in Road Accidents in 2019
By Doh Bertrand Nua in Yaounde 
In an attempt to curb the number of deaths recorded on the roads, the Ministry of Transport has outlined measures aimed at curbing accidents along major roads in the country. In an interview granted state broadcaster, CRTV, Minister Jean Ernest Ngale Bibehe acknowledged that the campaign to sensitise road users is succeeding but more efforts need to be put in.

    “The number of deaths in our highways has moved from 1588 in 2011 to 1091 in 2015 and 937 in 2019. This represents a reduction rate of 31%. The balance sheet is largely positive but one death from road accident is one too many.” Bibehe said, adding that efforts would be made in the direction.
    In line with new requirements in curbing road accidents in 2020, the Minister said a new strategy has been adopted. “The strategy considers three factors that cause road accidents: the human factor; the road worthiness of the vehicle and the state of the road”. He added that disrespect of speed limit has the highest rate of 35% for defaulters. “To redress these shortcomings, we have bought radars, electronic alcohol test material among other instruments that are going to be deployed on the road axis” he revealed.
    On their part, some road users say some of the accidents would have been avoided if not of the bad nature of the roads in the country. Others expressed disaffection to the level at which drivers licences are issued in the country without proper training. “We have to make drivers licenses more secured because a drivers’ licences can be issued to just anyone who knows nothing about driving in the country”, a disgruntled Yaounde inhabitant said.