Guinea's Transport Minister, Ousmane Gaoual Diallo, has raised concerns over the country's road accident statistics, describing them as "very bad". He made these remarks during a sensitization mission on road safety, where he met with transport professionals and urged them to be more responsible while driving. The minister emphasized the importance of preventing accidents, particularly by combating fatigue and leveraging new technologies.

Minister Diallo highlighted the significant role the transport sector plays in Guinea's economy and society, as a major provider of employment, especially for young people. He encouraged transport professionals to take pride in their work, noting that for every ton of bauxite exported, at least two jobs are created in the transport sector. The minister also stressed the need for drivers to prioritize their health and exercise their profession in optimal safety conditions.

The minister expressed concern over Guinea's poor record on road accident-related mortality, both regionally and internationally. He called for collective mobilization to address the issue, emphasizing that reducing accidents requires more than just the transport ministry's efforts. Minister Diallo noted that the country's road safety statistics are alarming, with many countries having significantly lower numbers of road fatalities.

To improve road safety, Minister Diallo advised drivers to be aware of the dangers of fatigue while driving. He recommended that drivers take regular breaks during long trips, stopping to rest at designated areas or the next town. The minister also announced plans to invest in new technologies, such as in-vehicle cameras, to monitor driver behavior and enforce traffic laws more effectively.

Minister Diallo emphasized the need for greater rigor, responsibility, and mobilization from all stakeholders to significantly reduce the number of road accident victims. Despite previous awareness efforts, he believes the results have been insufficient. The minister's comments come as part of a broader effort to improve road safety in Guinea and reduce the number of accidents on the country's roads.

The transport sector is a significant contributor to Guinea's economy, and Minister Diallo wants to ensure that this contribution is not undermined by preventable accidents. He encouraged transport professionals to work together to promote road safety and reduce the risk of accidents. By working together, the minister believes that Guinea can improve its road safety record and reduce the number of lives lost on its roads.

Minister Diallo's call for action on road safety comes as Guinea seeks to improve its road safety record and reduce the number of accidents on its roads. The country's transport sector is a vital part of its economy, and ensuring the safety of drivers and passengers is essential for the country's economic and social development. Key initiatives to improve road safety include investing in new technologies and increasing public awareness of road safety issues.

Key points

  • Guinea's Transport Minister, Ousmane Gaoual Diallo, has warned of the country's alarming road accident statistics.
  • The minister is calling for collective action to improve road safety and reduce the number of accidents on Guinea's roads.
  • New technologies, such as in-vehicle cameras, will be used to monitor driver behavior and enforce traffic laws more effectively.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.