Liberia has struggled with a critical road safety crisis for over thirty years, with significant fatalities primarily involving motorcycles and tricycles. Recent severe accidents underscore the urgent need for a comprehensive national strategy and effective law enforcement. RSAI urges a National Stakeholder Dialogue to collaboratively address road safety challenges and implement sustainable measures to reduce crashes and protect lives.
For over thirty years, Liberia has faced an entrenched road safety crisis that has resulted in numerous fatalities and severe injuries. The ongoing loss of lives due to road incidents is intolerable and merits urgent national attention. Inadequate law enforcement and a lack of political resolve have exacerbated the perilous conditions on the roads, particularly for motorcycle and tricycle operators, who are increasingly at risk.
Governments have historically failed to enact permanent road safety initiatives, favoring instead ad-hoc bans on motorcycle usage in certain areas. Such short-sighted measures do not address the underlying issues leading to accidents and effectively reallocate danger to other regions rather than alleviating it. It is essential to prioritize road safety as an integral component of national development.
Recent tragedies, including the Totota Inferno Incident and multiple serious accidents on key highways, highlight the urgent need for preventive measures. These incidents could have been significantly reduced or avoided entirely had the government demonstrated decisiveness in enhancing road safety protocols.
In addition to the booming number of motorcycle crashes, contributing factors such as reckless driving, inadequate road features, unchecked vehicle imports, lack of vehicle inspections, and poor post-accident care exacerbate the issue. The Road Safety Action International (RSAI) condemns the violent reactions from motorcyclists in response to crashes and stresses the need for the Merged Federation of Motorcycle and Tricycle Union of Liberia (M-FOMTUL) to advocate for responsible riding practices, including helmet use and proper attire.
The Liberia National Police (LNP) must intensify their enforcement of traffic regulations in a systematic and fair manner. Traffic violations should not only result in punitive measures but also include guidance for safely parking vehicles off the road to avoid further risks.
To address these alarming trends, RSAI urges the organization of a National Stakeholder Dialogue focusing on Road Safety. This meeting should unite various stakeholders—government agencies, transport unions, civil society, and law enforcement—to collectively develop a detailed national strategy aimed at significantly reducing road traffic accidents and fatalities, particularly those involving motorcycles and tricycles.
The alarming increase in fatal crashes, especially among two- and three-wheeled vehicles, has created unrest within Liberia. RSAI has been proactive in engaging with local and international leaders, promoting sustainable funding for road safety measures. Ignoring road safety cannot continue, as innocent lives are at stake on Liberia’s roads.
The time for mere promises and inaction has ended; decisive government action is essential now!
Liberia’s longstanding road safety crisis demands immediate attention and structured solutions. Historical inaction and insufficient enforcement have led to rising fatalities, particularly among motorcycle and tricycle operators. A united effort involving key stakeholders is critical for formulating a comprehensive strategy to enhance road safety, enforce traffic laws, and promote responsible riding practices. Only through decisive action can the safety of citizens on Liberian roads be ensured.
Original Source: www.liberianobserver.com
