(3 minutes read)
The transport unions in Senegal went on strike recently to protest against measures taken to combat road accidents. A number of unions joined forces to denounce the measures taken on January 9 to contain the rising number of accidents taking place there, particularly the deadly accident in the central region of Kaffrine, which had happened in the very recent past. The string of accidents that had taken place in recent days included a fatal bus accident that killed 19 people. Transporters were protesting against the lack of consultation and the impossibility of complying with certain measures.
The government responded to the string of accidents by announcing nearly two dozen measures, including limiting buses and trucks to 90 kilometers per hour. It also banned night buses and outlawed the import of used tyres. Some transport unions termed measures out of touch with reality and lifestyles. A World Bank study puts that Senegal registered 24 road accidents per 100,000 inhabitants, which is a very high ratio, The West African country has an estimated 17 million people.
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Authorities maintain that some discipline should be brought in the management of transport to bring down fatal accidents. It is a fact that owners fit vehicles with used tyres, which are mainly imported from other countries at very cheap rates. Transporters’ unions complain that tyre prices are very high and they are forced to use such second-hand tyres, which come at lower prices, but lead to increased road accidents.
