‘Abide by road safety campaign’

THE Motor Vehicle Insurance Limited (MVIL), wants public transport operators to stop over crowding their vehicles.
MVIL managing director Dr John Mua said motorists should give greater thought to the key messages of the campaign launched last November.
Dr Mua issued the statement yesterday in the wake of the horrific collision of two buses which killed 43 people near Umi Bridge in the Markham Valley on Jan 12.
“People have the right to say no to board an overcrowded PMV and they can get off at anytime. I urge passengers to exercise that right if they feel threatened at any time,” he said.
“Road Safety: It’s Not a Game” is the public message of the advertising and public relations initiative which has utilised many stars from the NRL competition to push the message on TV, radio and in newspapers across the country.
The total number of fatalities (26) for the December-January period following the late November launch of the campaign had sparked hope for an improvement compared with figures of 36, 32, 32 and 33 for the corresponding period over the previous four years.
The Umi Bridge crash is the worst motor vehicle accident in PNG history.
It is alleged speeding and careless driving were major factors contributing to the tragedy – offences the campaign is designed to help reduce.