Many pedestrians have expressed frustration over drivers' frequent disregard for zebra crossings, which they believe endangers their lives. Despite the road's modern infrastructure, the lack of adherence to basic traffic rules has made crossing the road a risky endeavour.
Residents have highlighted that drivers often ignore zebra crossings, forcing pedestrians to wait for extended periods or to risk crossing unsafely, which can lead to accidents.
Fatou Jammeh, a vegetable seller at the Coastal Road Market, emphasised the benefits of the new road but urged drivers to exercise more caution. "The straight highway seems to encourage drivers to neglect zebra crossings, making it dangerous for those of us trying to cross. Despite the clear markings, the lack of respect for pedestrian crossings remains a significant concern," she said.
Lamin Sanyang, a passerby at Senegambia, shared his firsthand experience of witnessing two accidents in the Senegambia and Bijilo areas, which he attributed to drivers' unwillingness to slow down. Sanyang emphasised that the new road should not be an excuse for reckless driving and urged drivers to adhere to traffic rules and pay closer attention to signboards. He also calls on the police to rigorously test drivers before issuing licences, highlighting the need for greater enforcement to prevent accidents.
Concerns were also raised by Musa Dampha, a taxi driver at the Traffic Lights, who criticised what he sees as flaws in the road's construction. Dampha argued that the road was built in a rush, leading to issues that may only be noticed by experienced drivers. He pointed out that the road is not as level and straight as it appears, and the excessive number of speed bumps could have been avoided with better planning and execution.
The safety of pedestrians has also caught the attention of Hon. Abdoulie Ceesay, the elected representative for Old Yundum Constituency and Deputy Majority Leader in the National Assembly of The Gambia.
Ceesay has called for the urgent construction of a flyover on the New OIC Road for pedestrians, in response to the increasing number of accidents that pose significant risks to pedestrians, students, women, and hawkers who cross the busy thoroughfare daily.
Adding to the concerns, Omar Ceesay, President of the General Transport Union, criticised the lax procedures for obtaining driver's licences in the country. He argued that many people receive their licences without proper testing or understanding of traffic regulations. "When licences are handed out without any real effort, how can we expect drivers to respect the value of that document or understand the rules, regulations, highway codes, and signboards?" Ceesay questioned.
NRA Deputy Managing Director Sulayman Sumareh Janneh also weighed in, stressing the importance of slowing down when approaching a roundabout and giving priority to those already inside it. He urged pedestrians to use zebra crossings rather than attempting to cross at the neck of the roundabout.
Janneh highlighted the NRA’s ongoing efforts to raise public awareness through TV shows and video advertisements in various local languages. He emphasised the need for continued education for both drivers and pedestrians to prevent accidents and improve safety on the OIC Road. "We will continue to take measures to enhance safety along the highway," he concluded, underscoring the NRA's commitment to protecting lives on this critical infrastructure.
The introduction of the New OIC Road, while a significant infrastructure upgrade, has exposed critical safety issues that need urgent attention. Pedestrians, who are among the most vulnerable road users, are particularly at risk due to drivers' disregard for traffic rules, especially at zebra crossings. The concerns raised by various stakeholders reflect a broader problem with road safety culture and enforcement in The Gambia.
Drivers' failure to adhere to basic traffic regulations, such as slowing down at zebra crossings, poses a serious threat to public safety.
The testimonies of pedestrians like Fatou Jammeh and Lamin Sanyang, as well as the observations of taxi driver Musa Dampha, highlight the dangers that exist on the road daily. These issues are compounded by what some perceive as flaws in the road's construction, which may exacerbate the risk of accidents.
Moreover, the criticisms from Omar Ceesay regarding the lax procedures for obtaining driver's licences underscore the need for stricter regulation and better education for drivers.
Without proper testing and a thorough understanding of traffic laws, drivers are ill-equipped to navigate the roads safely, leading to a higher likelihood of accidents.
The call for a pedestrian flyover by Hon. Abdoulie Ceesay is a practical response to the immediate safety concerns, especially for those who must cross the busy road regularly. This measure, along with the NRA's ongoing public awareness campaigns, represents a step in the right direction. However, the situation calls for a more comprehensive approach, including stricter enforcement of traffic laws, better road design, and continued education for both drivers and pedestrians.
In conclusion, while the New OIC Road offers significant benefits, the safety of all road users must be prioritised. Addressing these concerns through improved infrastructure, stricter enforcement, and ongoing education will be crucial in ensuring that the road serves its intended purpose without compromising public safety.
