By Thaimu T Kamara
There is an urgent need for the Government of Sierra Leone, the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA), and the Sierra Leone Police to take decisive action to address the increasing number of road accidents involving heavy-duty trucks and trailer drivers in Freetown and other parts of the country.
Almost every month, reports of accidents involving trailer trucks raise serious concerns among residents, motorists, and road users. Many of these incidents are reportedly linked to reckless driving, inadequate enforcement of traffic regulations, poor driver training, and the alleged use of drugs by some commercial drivers.
The latest incident occurred yesterday in the Allen Town area of Freetown, where three people reportedly lost their lives. Although the full circumstances surrounding the incident have yet to be officially established, the tragedy has once again raised questions about road safety and the government’s responsibility to protect innocent lives.
Speaking to this newspaper, a senior driver expressed concern over what he described as weaknesses in the enforcement of traffic laws and the lack of adequate experience among some individuals operating heavy-duty vehicles.
According to him, some trailer drivers lack the necessary professional training and experience to operate such large vehicles safely. He further alleged that some drivers take drugs before embarking on their journeys, a practice that could seriously affect their concentration, judgment, and ability to respond to emergencies on the road.
Similarly, businessman Mohamed Kamara called on the government to introduce stricter measures to monitor commercial and heavy-duty vehicle drivers.
He alleged that some drivers consume Tramadol and other substances before or while driving, putting the lives of passengers, pedestrians, and other road users at risk.
Kamara recommended that the government introduce mandatory drug testing for drivers, alongside regular checks of driving licences, professional qualifications, driving experience, and vehicle roadworthiness.
He further proposed the introduction of roadside drug-testing facilities at strategic locations, including the Sierra Leone Ports Authority, Ferry Junction, and toll gates across the country.
He believes that mandatory testing, using appropriate drug-screening equipment, would help identify drivers operating under the influence of drugs and prevent potentially deadly accidents.
Meanwhile, Alimamy Kamara called on the government to introduce specific operating hours for trailer trucks and other heavy-duty vehicles within Freetown.
He suggested that such vehicles should preferably be allowed to operate during night-time hours rather than during busy daytime periods when roads are crowded with pedestrians, schoolchildren, commercial vehicles, and other road users.
According to him, restricting heavy-duty vehicles to designated operating hours could help reduce traffic congestion and minimise the risk of accidents, provided that proper lighting, visibility, driver fitness, and enforcement measures are guaranteed.
The growing concerns surrounding trailer-related accidents require more than public statements and expressions of sympathy. They demand practical action, stronger regulations, and consistent enforcement.
The government, through the Ministry of Transport and Aviation, SLRSA, and the Sierra Leone Police, must work together to strengthen road safety measures.
These measures should include mandatory professional training for trailer drivers, regular licence verification, compulsory drug and alcohol testing, routine vehicle inspections, strict enforcement of speed limits, and appropriate penalties for reckless driving.
There should also be a comprehensive review of the conditions under which heavy-duty vehicles operate within Freetown and other major cities.
The continuous loss of innocent lives on our roads is a serious national concern that must not be treated as normal.
Every life lost leaves behind grieving families, children, parents, and loved ones. The government has a responsibility to ensure that Sierra Leone’s roads are safe for everyone.
Drivers who cause fatal accidents through reckless or criminal behaviour must be investigated and, where found guilty, held accountable under the law. Nobody should be above the law, and no individual responsible for taking innocent lives should escape justice.
This is a wake-up call to the Government of Sierra Leone, SLRSA, the Sierra Leone Police, and all relevant stakeholders.
How many more lives must be lost before urgent action is taken?
The time for action is now. Road safety is not a privilege; it is a responsibility, and protecting the lives of citizens must remain a national priority.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Wednesday, 11th November 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
