Towards improving road safety in Sierra Leone, the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA) has successfully completed the first phase of its “No Drink, No Drive” campaign in Pujehun District.
The campaign, spearheaded by the Safety and Enforcement Unit, aims to raise public awareness about the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption, particularly among drivers and riders.
During the initiative, SLRSA officials utilized public spaces such as entertainment centers, mosques, churches, schools, motor parks, and artaya bases to deliver their message. These venues displayed video clips depicting road safety signs, fatal accidents, and serious incidents, ensuring the campaign reached a broad audience.
The Head of Station for Pujehun, Alfred Senesi, emphasized the collective responsibility of road users to adhere to safety regulations. Addressing various community groups, he highlighted the importance of respecting road signs and minimizing alcohol consumption. Senesi urged drivers to remember the adage, “When you drink alcohol, don’t drive; but if you drink and drive, you will die.”
As part of the follow-up activities, SLRSA announced plans to conduct on-the-spot alcohol checks for drivers and riders. Senesi reassured the public that the authority is a partner in promoting safety, not an adversary.
The campaign concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, where participants engaged directly with road safety officials. Lahai Setua, Chairman of the Bike Riders Union in Pujehun, expressed optimism about the campaign’s impact and shared insights on challenges faced by union members regarding road safety compliance.
With over two million lives lost globally to road accidents annually, the SLRSA remains committed to saving lives through education and enforcement, marking a critical step in promoting safer roads across Sierra Leone.