by Ncaba Ntshakala
Stay safe, stay alive!
The Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) has emphasized the importance of adherence to road safety laws and regulations in efforts to eradicate accidents, particularly with the reopening of schools for the new academic year.
The increased movement of school-going children necessitates heightened vigilance among all road users, especially around school zones.
REPS, under its operational mantra “Sikhona as a Police Service to be a Safety and Security Buffer for the Nation in Partnership with Stakeholders,” is working collaboratively to curb road accidents through cooperation with various stakeholders.
Motorists are urged to remain cautious, observe traffic laws, and drive defensively to safeguard the lives of pedestrians, especially young students.
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Parents are encouraged to educate their children on road safety practices and ensure that school transport services comply with traffic laws, such as speed limits and roadworthiness.
REPS also highlights the importance of designated pedestrian crossings such as traffic lights and overhead bridges to prevent accidents.
With the rising number of road users, REPS emphasizes collective responsibility and urges pedestrians to wear bright clothing for visibility and to crossroads safely by checking all directions.
The service made emphasis on that most accidents stem from negligence, including reckless driving and jaywalking.
In their statement, the police force asserted that road safety remains a shared responsibility, and by following traffic laws, lives can be saved and accidents minimized
Sifiso Gumbi, a teacher at a school in Mbabane, highlighted the significance of this initiative, stating, “It is reassuring to see the police taking road safety seriously.
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As educators, we constantly worry about our learners’ safety on the roads. Increased awareness will help prevent unnecessary accidents.”
Another teacher, Nomvula Dlamini, from a primary school in Manzini, shared similar sentiments, saying, “The safety of our learners is always a priority.
Many of them travel long distances to school, and it is crucial for both drivers and pedestrians to follow traffic rules to avoid tragic incidents.”
