By: Joseph Momoh, Reporter D.S
In a significant effort to improve road safety in Sierra Leone, the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA) has successfully completed the first phase of its “No Drink, En Drive” campaign in Pujehun District.
Spearheaded by the Safety and Enforcement Unit, the campaign aims to raise public awareness about the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption, particularly among drivers and riders. SLRSA officials engaged with the community through various public spaces, including entertainment centers, mosques, churches, schools, motor parks, and artaya bases, delivering crucial messages about road safety.
The initiative featured video clips showcasing road safety signs, fatal accidents, and serious incidents, ensuring the campaign reached a broad audience. Alfred Senesi, the Head of Station for Pujehun, underscored the collective responsibility of road users to adhere to safety regulations. In addressing various community groups, he emphasized the importance of respecting road signs and minimizing alcohol consumption, warning, “When you drink alcohol, don’t drive; but if you drink and drive, you will die.”
As part of its follow-up activities, SLRSA announced plans to conduct on-the-spot alcohol checks for drivers and riders. Senesi reassured the public that the authority is a partner in promoting safety, not an adversary.
The campaign concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, allowing participants to engage directly with road safety officials. Lahai Setua, Chairman of the Bike Riders Union in Pujehun, expressed optimism about the campaign’s impact and highlighted challenges faced by union members regarding road safety compliance.
With over two million lives lost globally to road accidents each year, the SLRSA remains committed to saving lives through education and enforcement, marking a critical step in promoting safer roads across Sierra Leone.
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