Theme: Ride safe, Save livesDate: Friday, Sept 6th 2024
Time: 10am- 4pm
Venue: Foyer de Baleveng, Biyem Assi
Reports reveals that over 16,000 accidents occur each year in Cameroon, resulting in more than 1,000 deaths according to official figures, however, based on World Health Organization estimates, this figure is up to 6000 deaths (1)[1]. In some developing countries with relatively poor roads and infrastructures, motorcycles are becoming the only practical mobility means for personal and public transport, including taxi service delivery(2) [2]. The easy purchase and management of this vehicle has facilitated its ownership among the population. Additionally, high unemployment rates have pushed many youths (most of whom are untrained motorcyclist) into the commercial use of motorcycles in response to the growing transportation demand and economic demand. Even though motorcycles offer certain transport advantages such as easy manoeuvrability, especially on poor roads, the proliferation of motorcycle service has led to traffic management problems such as high road accidents, marring urban freight traffic, especially in sub-Sahara Africa, where riders and passengers are exposed to severe injury or death in the event of crashes due to lack of protective gears such as helmets (3) [3].
The existing motorcycle law in Cameroon stipulates that motorcycle riders are expected to possess a category A license, a jacket with a registered number provided by the council and proper vehicle registration document. With over 6000 motorcycle riders in Yaoundé, reports indicate that only about 2000 are registered with the necessary documents(4) [4]. Additionally, motorcycles in the country do not have plate registration number nor insurance making their regulation within the country more challenging particularly in the case of accidents. A majority of motorcycle riders are often unlicensed with no formalized training to operate motorcycles, leading to many of them disobeying traffic rules and not wearing safety helmets(5,6) [5,6]. In several areas it is common to observe overloaded motorcycles with more than two adult passengers or as many children as possible, all without helmets (7) [7]. This lack of control from riders and law enforcement officers place a great risk to motorcycle riders as well as the passengers they transport.
There is therefore a need to develop and implement effective interventions to prevent and reduce motorcycle injuries and fatalities in Cameroon. One such intervention is road safety training aimed at improving the knowledge and skills of motorcycle riders on road safety laws and regulations, safe riding practices, and the use of protective gear.
More specifically:
Overview of motorcycle road safety laws and regulations in Cameroon
Safe riding practices, including speed limits, lane use, and helmet use
The use of protective gear, including helmets, gloves, and jackets
Strategies for reducing fatigue and avoiding drug use while riding
Expected Outcome
Improved knowledge and skills of motorcycle riders on road safety laws and regulations, safe riding practices, and the use of protective gear
Increased knowledge on the importance of protective gear among motorcycle riders
Reduced incidence of motorcycle-related injuries and fatalities in Cameroon
Target audience
2-3 wheeled vehicle riders and leaders of motorcycle unions.
Venue
This training will be on-site at the hall in the Foyer de Baleveng, Biyem Assi with several media house present.
Proposed Trainer
Fonkou Kwetche Cédric, Inspecteur Au Permis De Conduire Et De La Sécurité Routière. Délégation Départementale De La Mefou Afamba Poste De Prévention Mendong I
