While political conversations dominate daily discourse, many Gambians are shifting their focus to a more immediate and pressing issue: reckless road stunts that endanger lives and disrupt public safety. Young people themselves are increasingly joining the call for action.
Yusupha, known locally as “YJ”, emphasised the serious risks involved. “A car is not something you master; you only get used to it. It can betray you in an instant,” he said. “It’s risky, and that’s what I believe.”
Despite acknowledging the dangers, Yusupha suggested a middle ground: designated spaces for drifting that provide an outlet for youth while protecting the public. “They should have their own spot for this kind of activity, but doing it in the streets is unsafe and unfair to others,” he added.
Abdoulie Barry shared similar concerns, stressing the unpredictability of vehicles and the potential for loss of life. “It’s not safe. One minute you’re drifting, the next you could kill someone or yourself. A car is a machine; it can fail you anytime,” he said.
He urged young people to exercise better judgment: “Some think it’s bravery, but that’s not courage that’s recklessness. Before you act, consider if it benefits you or others. If not, don’t do it.”
Students, too, are speaking out. Muhammed Colley, a pupil at Latrikunda Upper Basic School, criticised the obstruction and danger drifting poses. “These stunts block traffic. Sometimes cars can’t pass. It’s not just dangerous for the drifters but also for people trying to go about their day’s activities,” he said.
Muhammed echoed calls for regulation instead of outright bans. “Give them a safe space to do their stunts. When they do it on public roads, they injure themselves and others. That’s not fair.”
His classmate, Sainey Saine, agreed. “They need a special place for drifting, so they don’t endanger the public. Sometimes they even hit moving cars. It’s getting out of hand,” he said, advocating for legal reforms to manage the trend and protect both participants and bystanders.
The police have begun taking concrete steps. Assistant Superintendent of Police Sisawo explained that officers, after leaving a program at GRTS, heard the roar of drifting vehicles nearby. When they moved to intervene, the boys sped off, prompting a 15-minute chase that ended when the suspects crashed into another vehicle.
“The youths tried to flee, but we pursued them. When they finally stopped, the crowd supported us. This shows that the public is tired of this behaviour,” ASP Sisawo said. “Many believe these boys go unpunished because they’re from wealthy or influential families but that narrative must change. We will make an example of them.”
In a follow-up development, police confirmed that several suspects involved in the June 11 incident around the Kanifing area have been formally charged with dangerous driving, commonly referred to as drifting or joyriding. After spending the night in detention, the accused were brought before the Magistrates’ Court the following morning. The case was adjourned till June 16, 2025, at the request of their legal counsel. Bail was granted in the amount of D25,000 with one surety.
The Gambia Police Force has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling reckless driving. “We will not relent in our efforts to protect lives and restore order on our roads,” its statement concluded.
