A series of activities will be organised from 19 to 24 November 2023 in the context of the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims to sensitise the population on the dangers as well as required safety measures on roads.
This was announced by the Minister of Land Transport and Light Rail, Mr Alan Ganoo, today, at a press conference in Port-Louis.
“The Day is commemorated on the third Sunday of November each year to pay tribute to those who have been killed and seriously injured on roads and to acknowledge the suffering of all affected victims, families, and communities,” stated the Minister.
A decrease in the number of road accidents was highlighted by the Minister over the past years. Nevertheless, he indicated that an increase had been noted for year 2023 with 116 deaths as at now, compared to 108 deaths in 2022 as at 31 December. “The majority of victims are pedestrians and two-wheelers, representing around 78% of the total of road fatalities,” he pointed out.
He emphasised the need to further intensify sensitisation campaigns to better raise awareness on safety and precautionary measures among the population. The Land Transport Minister expressed his gratitude to frontliners including the police officers, fire fighters and health personnel for their efficient and prompt services during accident cases.
“Road security,” he underlined, “is at the forefront of Government’s agenda since the past few years and is today a more pressing issue with an increase in the number of vehicles on roads.” “The total number of vehicles amount to 648,176 and the figures are estimated to increase by 4 % every year,” he said.
Minister Ganoo made an appeal to road users to be strictly vigilant and to always abide by traffic laws to prevent more cases of road incidents. He also called on the solidarity and support of the population and urged them to actively participate in the one-week activities.
The scheduled activities are as follows:
- 18 November – Mass at La Chapelle St-Luc, in Résidence Kennedy, Quatre-Bornes
- 19 November – Motorcycle Road show from Plaza in Rose Hill to Tribeca Mall
- 20 November – Distribution of helmet to motorcyclists and launch of an application at the Belle Vue Total gas station
- 22 November – Youth rally followed by a Pacific March from Plaisance Mall to Gandhi Square at Rose Belle and a wreath laying ceremony
- 23 November – Training session on defensive driving techniques for taxi drivers at Plaza, in Rose Hill
- 24 November – The population will be invited to wear a white ribbon or any white clothes as a sign of solidarity
