TBL AND TANZANIA RED CROSS strengthen road safety awareness to build safer communities

DAR ES SALAAM: As Tanzania prepares for the festive season, Tanzania Breweries PLC (TBL), in partnership with the Tanzania Red Cross Society (TRCS), is reaffirming its commitment to promoting road safety and supporting safer communities through rider education, first aid training, and responsible behaviour awareness programmes.

Road safety remains a significant challenge both globally and in Tanzania. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), road traffic injuries are among the leading causes of death among young people, while an estimated 10,000 people lose their lives on Tanzania’s roads every year. These statistics highlight the importance of continued collaboration among government, civil society, the private sector, and communities to improve road safety outcomes and save lives.

Recognizing the vital role that commercial motorcycle riders play in connecting communities, supporting livelihoods, and driving economic activity, TBL has partnered with TRCS since 2024 to equip riders with practical road safety knowledge and life-saving first aid skills.

Most recently, the partnership successfully trained 1,624 commercial motorcycle riders across Dar es Salaam, surpassing the programme target of 1,600 riders and achieving 102 percent of the planned objective. Through a series of structured training sessions conducted across all five districts of the city, participants received practical instruction on defensive riding techniques, road safety regulations, helmet use, emergency response, and responsible decision-making.

“At TBL, we believe thriving communities begin with safer communities. Road safety is not only about preventing accidents; it is about protecting families, preserving livelihoods, and ensuring people return home safely every day. Through our partnership with the Tanzania Red Cross Society, we have been supporting motorcycle riders with the knowledge and skills they need to make safer decisions on the road. The positive response from riders and the achievement of exceeding our training target demonstrate the value and impact of this initiative,” said Neema Temba, Director of Corporate Affairs and Regulatory at Tanzania Breweries PLC.

The programme also emphasizes the critical role riders can play in emergency situations. Commercial motorcycle riders are often among the first people to arrive at the scene of an accident. By equipping them with first aid knowledge, the programme helps strengthen community preparedness and improve the ability to provide immediate assistance during emergencies.

“Road safety is a shared responsibility. Through this partnership, we are helping riders become safer road users while also empowering them with first aid skills that can save lives. We are proud to continue working alongside TBL to strengthen safety awareness and resilience within communities,” said Lucia Pande, Secretary General of the Tanzania Red Cross Society.

As a responsible brewer, TBL also continues to advocate for responsible choices and reinforces the message that drinking and riding do not mix. The company believes that awareness, education, and behaviour change are essential components of creating safer roads for everyone.

Looking ahead, TBL remains committed to working with partners to expand road safety awareness programmes, strengthen first aid education, and promote responsible road use across Tanzania. By investing in prevention and community education, the company aims to contribute to safer roads, stronger communities, and a more prosperous future for all Tanzanians.