Road Safety Christmas Campaigns Review Highlights Rising Accidents in Lesotho

The Ministry of Public Works and Transport, through the Department of Road Safety, recently held a review meeting to evaluate the outcomes of the Christmas road safety campaigns. The session was attended by the Minister of the Ministry, Hon. Matjato Moteane, Deputy Permanent Secretaries Advocate Lesemole Moletsane and Katiso Ntoane, as well as senior management from various departments and stakeholders involved in campaign implementation.

The Department’s statistics office presented a detailed report revealing a concerning increase in both accidents and fatalities compared to the previous year. Data indicated that Maseru accounted for the highest share of road deaths, representing 71% of the total, followed by Leribe with 61%, while Qacha recorded the lowest at 3%. Analysis also showed that the majority of accidents involved individuals aged 31 to 40 and occurred during peak traffic hours between 16:00 and 19:00.

During the meeting, Honourable Minister Matjato Moteane highlighted the primary factors contributing to road accidents. These included excessive speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, and poor road conditions. To address these issues, the Minister proposed policy adjustments, including a slight increase in “spotfine” penalties to encourage responsible driving. He also recommended reducing the allowable minimum percentage of alcohol in beverages to 5% to mitigate the impact of drunk driving.

The review underscored the need for stricter enforcement and public awareness campaigns to curb road accidents. By targeting high-risk districts, peak traffic hours, and key behavioral factors, the Ministry aims to improve road safety outcomes in the coming year.

This assessment signals the Ministry’s commitment to reducing road fatalities and promoting responsible driving habits across Lesotho.