CAMEROON: The rate of road accidents in Cameroon is a matter of concern these days. The repeated reports of road accidents in Cameroon have shaken many people. Many people are now scared to travel on land as they consider it as one of the worst means of journey.
Last year, on December 27, about 37 persons were killed in a tragic road accident at Ndikinimeki and around 18 people were reported to be in critical conditions. Unfortunately, on the same day, a 70 seater bus reportedly crushed two people in a Toyota car at Melong, a small town in the Littoral region.
Another accident was reported in Buea, South West region, where an unidentified young man ran over a woman and her two kids. According to the report, the woman and her kids died at the spot.
On January 27, exactly a month after the December incident, over 37 people died at Ndikinimeki. In Dschang-Santchou road, about 53 people were reported dead and 27 others were critically injured.
Government’s negligence
Talking about the case of Ndikinimeki eyewitnesses blamed the accident on poor states of road. One of them also said that there was no speed break before the small bridge where the incident occurred.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Transport should make sure that dangerous zones like bridges are cleared. Along with this, roadsigns must be boldly written indicating dangerous zones like bridges, hills, etc and speed breakers should also be put wherever necessary.
According to state media (CRTV), the small truck that collided with the Menoua Voyage 70 seater bus at the Dschang-Santchou road carried illicit fuel, which exploded and caused the fire.
Is the illicit fuel is being transported on this road on daily basis? If yes, then what about the Police, Gendarmes, Foresters, and Customs Officers who are patrolling on the road? Are they part of the trafficking network?
Read Also: An Initiative To Help Road-Accident Victims
Roles and responsibilities of a Driver
The fact that the truck driver parked on the wrong side at Ndikinimeki can be considered as the immediate cause of the accident. A driver who drives on the Yaounde-Douala highway for over a year should know all the dangerous zones and try to always slow down.
They should avoid speeding which may cause accidents. The case at the Dschang-Santchou road has been partly blamed on over speeding.
On December 27, a woman and her 3 kids were crushed to death in Buea. According to the reports, the driver of the vehicle was under the influence of alcohol while driving. Drivers should also respect their professional codes and stop transporting contraband goods.
In the Dschang-Santchou case, there were around 80 people on the bus. It is clear that the 70 seater bus had more than 70 persons on board. This incident also raises the issue of overloading in interurban transport buses in Cameroon.
Comments are closed.