ROAD SAFETY TRAINING PROJECT FOR PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS CONCLUDES AS TRAFFIC POLICE WARN DRIVERS AGAINST VIOLATING TRAFFIC LAWS

 

By. John Luhende 

Mwamba wa habari

The Traffic Police Headquarters Operations Officer, ACP Joseph P. Mwakabonga, has urged drivers of trucks, buses, private vehicles and, in particular, motorcycle taxi (bodaboda) riders to comply with road safety regulations at all times. 

He stressed the importance of wearing protective helmets, possessing valid driving licences and obeying all traffic laws, adding that running red lights, speeding and other forms of reckless driving will not be tolerated.

He added that the Police Force will continue taking firm action against all motorists who violate road safety laws, while calling on members of the public to report any traffic offences they witness.

ACP Mwakabonga made the remarks on July 16,2026 during the Road Safety Awareness Walk and the closing ceremony of the "Road Safety Intervention for Urban Mobility – Safer Steps to School" project. The event began at Ubungo Maziwa External Road and concluded at Makuburi Primary School.

He also encouraged students who had received training through the FIA Safe and Sustainable Mobility Grant Programme to continue applying the knowledge they had gained in their daily lives. He urged them to learn and recognise different road signs, noting that such knowledge would help them protect themselves and assist others in using the roads safely.

He said the training would equip participants with the knowledge and confidence to identify traffic violations, including cases where drivers fail to comply with road safety laws or traffic signs, and to report such offences to the relevant authorities.

“This education is important because it empowers them to become road safety ambassadors within their communities,” he said.

He further noted that the Traffic Police use a variety of interactive teaching methods to help children and young people better understand road safety regulations, traffic signs and the proper use of transport infrastructure.

“I congratulate all the students for taking part in this programme. I also commend the teachers for their dedication in educating them. The knowledge you have gained should not remain within the classroom but should be shared with your parents, relatives and the wider community. Be ambassadors for road safety in your families,” he said.

Addressing parents and guardians, he urged them to continue guiding their children to respect road safety laws and teaching them how to use roads safely.

“Today, there is no road that can be considered 100 percent safe. Almost every area has experienced a significant increase in motor vehicles, making it essential for children to remain vigilant whenever they leave their homes,” he said.

He said this year's theme, “Everyone Deserves a Safe Journey,” carries a powerful message, emphasizing that every Tanzanian has the right to travel safely and reach their destination without harm.

He stressed that everyone has a shared responsibility to help reduce road crashes, protect lives and promote a culture of respect for road safety laws.

He added that the Police Force will continue working closely with the Automobile Association of Tanzania (AAT), the Government and other stakeholders to educate the public and strengthen enforcement of road safety regulations with the aim of reducing road crashes, fatalities and injuries resulting from unsafe road use.

Meanwhile, the Vice President of the Automobile Association of Tanzania (AAT), Hanif Virji, said that through the FIA Safe and Sustainable Mobility Grant Programme, the association has successfully implemented a range of road safety initiatives in 19 primary and secondary schools across Ubungo District.

He emphasized the importance of creating a safe learning environment for children by providing them with road safety education and infrastructure designed to protect them.

Virji noted that, through the project, road safety around participating schools has been significantly improved by installing and upgrading traffic signs, pedestrian crossings (zebra crossings) and road markings.

He added that the programme has also provided road safety education to students and teachers while encouraging students to become road safety ambassadors through drawing and essay-writing competitions conducted in schools and surrounding communities.