Kakulu: Road safety education will save lives

DAR ES SALAAM: MEMBER of Parliament for Mbagala Constituency, Burchard Kakulu, has said road safety education being provided to motorcycle riders is crucial in saving lives and accelerating national development.

Kakulu made the remarks during the launch of the continuation of the Usalama Daima campaign organised by Azam Media⁠ at Zakhiem grounds in Mbagala, Temeke District, Dar es Salaam. The campaign aims to reach communities, districts and regions across the country to promote road safety awareness among bodaboda riders and other road users.

“In life, no matter how big your dreams, vision or ideas may be, they become meaningless if you are not healthy and safe. The education these young transport officers are receiving is not only important for them but also for us who use their services,” said Kakulu.

Speaking at the event, Communications and Public Relations Manager for Azam Media⁠, Christina Korosso, said the campaign seeks to ensure road safety education reaches motorcycle riders across the country.

“We started in Kimara, now we are in Mbagala and later we will head to Ilala in collaboration with the Police Force, LATRA, Damu Salama, Car and Gear and TVS. We believe that when people are repeatedly exposed to education, they eventually adopt the practices,” she said.

“These transport officers carry us and our children. If they follow these lessons on wearing helmets and protective gear, they will protect themselves and their passengers,” she added.

Mbagala Kuu Ward Councillor, Sellous Ramadhan, commended Azam Media⁠ for successfully providing the training to many youths, noting that about 800 riders have so far benefited from the programme on how to become responsible transport officers and ensure passenger safety.

Meanwhile, Licensing and Registration Officer from LATRA, Denis Daudi, said Tanzania could achieve zero road accidents if transport officers comply with road safety regulations, including wearing protective gear and observing safe speed limits.

He also urged riders to use proper headlights during their journeys, warning against the use of excessively bright lights which, in one way or another, have contributed to road accidents, especially at night.

One of the participants, Habibu Ally, said riders were pleased to receive the training and promised to apply the lessons in protecting passengers and themselves.