The World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims was marked in Mauritius with a memorial service held at the Sainte-Thérèse church in Curepipe. The event, organized by the Prévention Routière Avant Tout (PRAT) association, paid tribute to the 130 people who have died on Mauritian roads this year. The service was attended by representatives from the police, firefighters, and first responders, as well as Transport Minister Osman Mohamed.
The service highlighted the need for greater responsibility and vigilance on the roads. The celebrant, Father Pierre Piat, emphasized that everyone must take responsibility for their actions on the road and be aware of the risks of accidents. He noted that people often think accidents only happen to others and take unnecessary risks, which can lead to careless behavior.
According to Alain Jeannot, president of PRAT and the National Road Safety Council, 2,181 people have died on Mauritian roads over the past 15 years. This number is accompanied by an estimated 45,000 serious injuries over the same period. Jeannot stressed that these statistics represent lives lost, families torn apart, and people left with lasting physical and emotional trauma.
The economic cost of road accidents is also significant, with Jeannot estimating that they have cost the state around Rs 100 billion over 15 years. The number of vehicles on the roads has increased by 91% since 2011, which has contributed to the growing problem of road accidents. Jeannot praised the work of police, firefighters, and other responders who work to prevent accidents and care for victims.
The impact of road accidents on families is difficult to measure, but Jeannot shared the story of a woman who lost her 40-year-old son in a motorcycle accident. The woman, who lives in Australia, has struggled to cope with the loss and has required professional support to deal with her grief. Jeannot suggested that a similar support system could be established in Mauritius to help families deal with the trauma of losing a loved one.
As part of the memorial service, 130 flowers were laid in front of a cross to symbolize the lives lost on Mauritian roads this year. The gesture was a poignant reminder of the human cost of road accidents and the need for continued efforts to improve road safety. Jeannot called for renewed commitment to road safety, both individually and collectively.
The memorial service concluded with a call to action for greater vigilance and responsibility on the roads. Jeannot emphasized the importance of respecting traffic laws, being cautious while driving, and maintaining good road infrastructure and vehicle safety. The event aimed to raise awareness about the risks of road accidents and promote a culture of safety on Mauritian roads.
Key points
- 2,181 people have died on Mauritian roads over the past 15 years.
