By Mackie M. Jalloh
As Sierra Leone enters the height of the rainy season, the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority has intensified efforts to reduce road traffic accidents by strengthening collaboration with transport operators across the country. In a renewed drive to promote safer roads, the Authority convened a high-level consultative meeting with the Motor Drivers and General Transport Workers Union at the Union’s headquarters at Texaco Lorry Park in Freetown, focusing on preventive measures that could help save lives during one of the most hazardous periods for road users.
The engagement formed part of the Authority’s wider public safety strategy aimed at building stronger partnerships with transport stakeholders while reinforcing compliance with road safety regulations. Officials noted that heavy rainfall, poor visibility, slippery road surfaces, and mechanical failures often combine to increase the risk of traffic crashes during the wet season, making proactive engagement with commercial drivers and transport operators a critical priority.
Addressing members of the Union, Deputy Executive Director of the SLRSA, Abraham Josie Abraham Scott-Manga, said the consultative meeting reflects the Authority’s determination to work closely with those directly responsible for moving thousands of passengers daily. He explained that the initiative builds upon the Executive Director’s ongoing stakeholder engagement programme, which seeks to foster cooperation between regulators, transport unions, vehicle owners, and other actors within Sierra Leone’s road transport sector.
According to Scott-Manga, statistics collected over the years have consistently shown an increase in road traffic collisions during the rainy season. He observed that excessive rainfall often exposes weaknesses in vehicle maintenance, road infrastructure, and driver preparedness, creating conditions that significantly heighten the likelihood of accidents.
He stressed that preventing crashes requires more than enforcing traffic regulations, noting that education, awareness, and collaboration are equally essential components of an effective road safety strategy. He encouraged transport operators to view safety not merely as a legal obligation but as a shared responsibility that protects passengers, pedestrians, and other road users.
A major focus of the discussions centered on vehicle roadworthiness. Scott-Manga urged vehicle owners and commercial drivers to conduct thorough inspections of their vehicles before operating on public roads, emphasizing that routine servicing can prevent mechanical failures that frequently contribute to accidents during adverse weather conditions.
He advised drivers to pay particular attention to essential safety components, including braking systems, tyres, steering mechanisms, windshield wipers, headlights, and indicators. According to him, ensuring that these systems function properly becomes even more critical during periods of heavy rainfall, when visibility is reduced and road surfaces become slippery.
The Deputy Executive Director also raised concerns over the increasing circulation of counterfeit and substandard vehicle spare parts in the local market. He warned that the use of poor-quality components compromises vehicle safety and places both drivers and passengers at unnecessary risk.
To address the challenge, he called for closer cooperation among transport operators, spare parts dealers, and the Sierra Leone Standards Bureau. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that only certified and quality-assured spare parts are imported, distributed, and installed in vehicles operating across the country.
Representing the Motor Drivers and General Transport Workers Union, President Sahr Ibrahim Sam welcomed the Authority’s continued engagement with commercial drivers, describing the initiative as a positive step toward improving road safety nationwide. He acknowledged the longstanding partnership between the Union and the SLRSA, noting that regular consultations have helped strengthen communication between regulators and transport operators.
Sam observed that commercial drivers face numerous challenges during the rainy season, including deteriorating road conditions, flooding, and increased traffic congestion. He maintained that sustained dialogue between the Authority and transport workers remains essential in identifying practical solutions to these challenges while encouraging greater compliance with road safety standards.
He further called on members of the Union to embrace the safety messages shared during the meeting, stressing that responsible driving and proper vehicle maintenance are fundamental to protecting lives and preserving public confidence in the transport sector.
The consultative session featured technical presentations by senior officials of the SLRSA, who provided practical guidance on safe driving practices under adverse weather conditions.
Director of Safety and Enforcement, Augustine Kaitongi, chaired the meeting and reiterated the Authority’s commitment to reducing road traffic fatalities through continuous public education and stakeholder engagement.
Transport Manager Daniel C. Kaitibie led an interactive session on defensive driving techniques during the rainy season. He encouraged drivers to reduce speed during heavy rainfall, maintain safe following distances, avoid dangerous overtaking, and exercise greater caution when navigating flooded or poorly maintained roads.
Meanwhile, Manager of Safety and Enforcement Augustine Lansana educated participants on the country’s road traffic laws and emphasized the importance of complying with existing safety regulations. He reminded drivers that adherence to traffic laws remains one of the most effective ways to reduce crashes and protect all road users.
The meeting concluded with renewed commitments from both the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority and the Motor Drivers and General Transport Workers Union to deepen collaboration in promoting road safety awareness throughout the rainy season. Participants agreed that sustained public education, regular vehicle inspections, strict compliance with road traffic laws, and continued stakeholder engagement will play a crucial role in reducing road accidents and safeguarding lives.
As Sierra Leone experiences increased rainfall over the coming months, the Authority says it will continue working with transport unions, law enforcement agencies, and other stakeholders to reinforce safety messages and encourage responsible driving practices, with the ultimate goal of making the nation’s roads safer for everyone.
