By Mackie M. Jalloh
The tragic death of a commercial vehicle apprentice in Freetown’s Eastern Police business district has once again highlighted the persistent dangers posed by unsafe practices within Sierra Leone’s public transport sector, while also drawing attention to the ongoing efforts of the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA) to combat preventable road fatalities through education, enforcement, and public awareness.
The fatal incident occurred when the young apprentice reportedly attempted to board a commercial vehicle while it was already moving. Witnesses said he lost his footing during the attempt, fell beneath the vehicle, and was run over by its wheels, resulting in his immediate death.
Road safety officials have described the incident as a heartbreaking reminder of the consequences of disregarding established safety protocols that have long been promoted by the SLRSA. According to authorities, the tragedy was not the result of a failure in road safety regulations but rather the continuation of dangerous habits that remain deeply rooted within sections of the commercial transport industry.
Road Safety Officer Abu Bakarr Sannoh, who reportedly witnessed the incident, explained that the apprentice had chased after the moving vehicle before attempting to climb aboard. The risky maneuver ended in disaster when he slipped and fell underneath the vehicle.
The incident has reignited discussions about the challenges road safety regulators face in changing attitudes and behaviors among some commercial transport operators, drivers, and apprentices. Despite years of public education campaigns and repeated warnings from the SLRSA, officials say certain unsafe practices continue to persist.
Speaking on the issue, Dauda Alimamy Kargbo, a supervisor with the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority, noted that the circumstances surrounding the accident closely resemble previous incidents that have claimed lives under similar conditions.
He referenced a fatal accident that occurred at Mile 38 in 2023, where a driver’s mate reportedly attempted to jump onto a moving bus while wearing foam slippers. The apprentice lost his balance, sustained severe head injuries, and later succumbed to those injuries.
According to Kargbo, such recurring tragedies demonstrate why the SLRSA has consistently emphasized the importance of compliance with safety regulations. He stressed that road safety is a shared responsibility and that authorities alone cannot prevent accidents if individuals continue to ignore basic safety measures.
“These unfortunate incidents are reminders that safety rules exist for a reason,” Kargbo explained. “The Authority has continuously educated drivers, apprentices, and transport operators on the dangers associated with boarding moving vehicles, standing in unsafe positions, and neglecting proper safety precautions.”
He pointed out that one of the most common and dangerous practices involves apprentices assisting passengers to board vehicles and then signaling drivers to move before they themselves are safely seated. In many cases, apprentices are forced to chase after moving vehicles and attempt to jump aboard, creating life-threatening situations.
Kargbo further emphasized that the SLRSA has repeatedly advised transport operators against allowing such practices. The Authority has consistently encouraged drivers to ensure that every member of the vehicle crew is properly seated before moving off from any location.
Another concern raised by road safety officials relates to the seating arrangements for apprentices. Many driver’s mates often give up their seats to paying passengers and spend long journeys standing on footboards, hanging from vehicle doors, or occupying other unsafe positions. These actions significantly increase their risk of injury in the event of sudden braking, collisions, or loss of balance.
The SLRSA has also continued to caution against the use of inappropriate footwear by transport workers. Foam slippers, commonly worn by some apprentices, provide limited grip and stability, particularly when boarding or exiting vehicles. Authorities have repeatedly advised apprentices to wear more secure footwear such as sneakers or safety boots while on duty.
Road safety advocates believe the latest tragedy should not be viewed solely as an isolated accident but as an opportunity for all stakeholders to strengthen compliance with existing safety measures. They argue that the SLRSA has made considerable efforts over the years to educate the public and enforce regulations aimed at protecting lives.
As investigations continue and the family mourns the loss of their loved one, road safety authorities are renewing calls for greater cooperation from drivers, transport unions, vehicle owners, and apprentices. Officials maintain that reducing road fatalities requires a collective commitment to responsible behavior and strict adherence to safety standards.
The unfortunate loss of life serves as a painful reminder that road safety regulations are designed to prevent exactly such tragedies. For the SLRSA, the incident reinforces the importance of continuing its public awareness campaigns and ensuring that safety remains a priority across Sierra Leone’s transport sector. Only through sustained education, compliance, and responsible conduct can similar incidents be prevented and lives protected on the nation’s roads.
