Gendarmerie satisfied with schools re-opening without accidents

A road safety exercise by the gendarmerie, from September 5 to 13 2015, has turned out successful.

There were no tears shed of blood spill on the main roads at the Central Region. That means the national no.3 (Yaoundé-Douala), national no. 10 (Yaoundé – Bertoua) and the Yaoundé-Bafoussam highway, has recorded any road accident during that period.

This result is the fruit of efforts made by the national gendarmerie. They launched a special operation dubbed: "back to school without accidents”, early September.

Roadside inspections teams, led by senior officers of the gendarmerie, were installed at several locations on the highways which were deemed dangerous. Their focus was to educate motorists and passengers. After stopping a vehicle, the members of the gendarmerie rendered some advice to persons on board. “Avoid overload, do not accept bad overruns and do not encourage the driver to over speed.”

This is inter alia, the requirements made to users. Drivers were asked not to take alcohol, have enough rest and make sure that the vehicle is in good condition before hitting the road.

According to Colonel Ntyam Miché, who was on the field Saturday with his elements, the steps taken by the high command to reduce the rate of accidents during the back to school period have been applied. "The accident rate, until the evening of September 13, has been reduced to 90%,” he said.

“I would not condemn this initiative of the police patrol. Their tips save lives", said a passenger, who said that these days, drivers are much more cautious.

However, despite the presence of the gendarme on the road and penalties paid, there are still dishonest drivers. "We will not relent our efforts. Those who refuse to abide will be severely punished,” said colonel Ntyam.