Front-star Driving School has launched what it describes as The Gambia’s first locally authored driving theory guidebook, in a move aimed at improving driver education, promoting responsible road use and reducing road traffic accidents.
The textbook, titled
Driving Guide Book, was officially launched on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre in Bijilo by Front-star Driving School and Front-star Company.
The publication is designed to educate drivers and other road users on traffic regulations, road signs, road safety rules and responsible driving practices.
Speaking at the launch, Front-star Chief Executive Officer Modou Lamin Badjie said the publication was inspired by the need to address road safety challenges through improved driver education.
He disclosed that since the school’s establishment in 2020, it had trained more than 4,000 drivers across the country through its branches in Westfield, Brikama, Farafenni, Sukuta Traffic Light, Soma and Basse.
Road safety expert Dr Momodou Gassama described the publication as an important contribution to efforts to reduce road traffic crashes.
Citing the World Health Organization’s 2023 estimates, Gassama said The Gambia records approximately 22 road traffic deaths per 100,000 people, compared with the African regional estimate of 19.4 per 100,000.
He stressed that road safety requires collective responsibility, highlighting the textbook’s message, “Think Safety and Act Safety”, as an important principle for all road users.
Representing the Minister of Transport, Works and Infrastructure, Deputy Permanent Secretary Abraham K. Mendy described the publication as an investment in knowledge, discipline and the protection of human lives.
He noted that good roads alone cannot guarantee safety, emphasising the importance of educating road users. He said the guide covers road signs, traffic regulations, defensive driving, vehicle maintenance and road discipline, adding that it could help standardise knowledge among driving learners and instructors.
For his part, National Assembly Member for Banjul Central Abdoulie Njai called for stronger collaboration among government, Parliament and citizens to improve road safety.
Citing GBoS statistics, he said road traffic accidents increased by 20 per cent between 2024 and 2025, while fatalities rose by 30 per cent, from 116 to 151.
Njai also called for the introduction of the textbook in schools to promote road safety awareness from an early age. He further highlighted the need to update the country’s Motor Traffic Act, disclosing that a draft Road Transport Bill was being developed.
