By 
Photo: Representative Augustine B. Chiewolo, Representative of District #5, Lofa County
Capitol Hill, Liberia – The rising wave of road traffic accidents across Liberia has drawn the attention of Hon. Augustine B. Chiewolo, Representative of District #5, Lofa County, who has formally requested the appearance of Inspector Gregory O. W. Coleman, Director of the Liberia National Police (LNP), before the plenary of the House of Representatives.
In his communication to Hon. Deputy Speaker and the 55th National Legislature, Rep. Chiewolo expressed grave concern over the ongoing vehicle inspection exercise, which, he argued, has coincided with an alarming increase in road-related fatalities and injuries.
Highlighting critical lapses in the country’s traffic management system, Rep. Chiewolo outlined several issues requiring urgent clarification:
Abandoned vehicles causing hazards: Damaged or broken-down vehicles are left unattended in traffic, contributing to frequent accidents.
Nighttime highway safety: The absence of police patrols on major highways during the night leaves roads vulnerable to accidents and criminal activities.
Lack of towing services: The unavailability of tow trucks on highways to swiftly clear accident sites exacerbates traffic congestion and safety risks.
Understaffed police stations: Inadequate police presence in densely populated areas, coupled with logistical challenges such as lack of communication tools and electricity, hampers law enforcement effectiveness.
Non-functional traffic lights: The absence of traffic lights at key intersections in Monrovia leaves officers struggling to manage traffic flow, especially during inclement weather and nighttime hours.
In September of this year 2024, LNP report reveals 157 road accidents, resulting in 23 deaths (20 males, 3 females) and 144 injuries (133 males, 11 females) involving 249 vehicles, of which 45 were completely damaged.
Despite the undisclosed statistics of accidents for for October and November, Rep. Chiewolo has called for Inspector Coleman to address these pressing concerns in the coming days, and provide clarity on the measures being implemented to curb the rise in accidents.
Photo: Scene of a Tragic Accident in Number Seven, along the Red-Light to Kakata Highway that claimed the live of At least eleven in late October .
“After a careful review of the ongoing inspection exercise, it has become evident that public safety on our roads remains precarious. Innocent lives are being lost, and immediate answers are needed,” Chiewolo emphasized.
The lawmaker urged his colleagues to prioritize the discussion during the upcoming session, underscoring the urgency of reforming Liberia’s traffic management and road safety systems.
The call for accountability resonates with many citizens who have long decried the poor state of road safety measures in the country. The pending appearance of the LNP director is expected to shed light on these concerns and chart a path forward for safer roads across Liberia.
