Podor: 14 dead and over 300 injured in ten months, the prefect announces the response

The Podor department recorded 14 deaths and over 300 injuries in traffic accidents between January and October 2026. This alarming statistic was the focus of a meeting dedicated to launching the departmental road safety and accident prevention days, scheduled throughout November. Presiding over the meeting, the Prefect of Podor, Amadoune Diop, announced a series of measures to strengthen accident prevention and reduction, particularly on National Route 2.

The meeting brought together several stakeholders involved in road safety, including transporters, Jakarta motorcycle drivers, defense and security forces, administrative and territorial authorities, health professionals, including doctors from hospital facilities, as well as other stakeholders involved in road safety prevention.

"From January to October, we recorded 14 deaths on our roads in the department of Podor and more than 300 injuries," said the prefect, stressing that accidents constitute "a real problem that must be well managed with the participation of all stakeholders."

Among the key actions announced is the establishment of village road safety committees in towns and villages along National Route 2. Road safety clubs will also be created in schools to raise children's awareness of traffic rules and prevent risky behavior. "If we instill good behavior in children, it's certain that once they grow up, they will take the necessary precautions," emphasized Amadoune Diop.

Jakarta drivers, transport operators, and other road users will also be targeted by awareness campaigns. First aid training is planned in collaboration with the fire department and the Red Cross, to enable drivers, often among the first to arrive at accident scenes, to react appropriately while waiting for emergency services.

Beyond awareness, several risk factors have been identified, including stray animals, failure to wear helmets, lack of motorcycle registration, chaotic parking of transport vehicles and insufficient road signage.

The prefect announced plans to work with local authorities to combat stray animals, improve the operation of bus stations, and promote the organization and formalization of bus drivers in Jakarta. The rehabilitation of road signs, both horizontal and vertical, as well as the installation of speed bumps near certain schools, are also among the measures being considered.

A prefectoral decree will be issued to formalize the establishment of a steering committee tasked with coordinating the program's implementation. Through this initiative, the authorities intend to make road safety a collective responsibility, with particular involvement from the media and community radio stations in raising public awareness.