Road Safety Alarms in Wau Town
Two unrelated crashes claimed two lives in Wau on Wednesday, raising fresh concern over a culture of speeding that police say continues to imperil South Sudan’s roads. Officers blame distracted driving and excessive velocity for the day’s deadly chain of events.
Daraja Hotel Fence Tragedy
In Daraja, a car exiting a hotel struck a perimeter fence. The concrete slab collapsed onto a young man seated nearby, killing him instantly. Capt. Ring John Chol attributes the fatal lapse to a momentary loss of focus by the driver.
Motorbike Collision Near Wau Airport
Minutes later, two motorbikes slammed together near Wau Airport. One rider was heading from Bilpam toward the town centre; the other was bound from Wau South to Atido. The combined momentum threw both cyclists to the tarmac, fatally injuring one.
Police Perspective on Speeding
“Drivers must recall that a town is not a racetrack,” the police spokesperson reminded. He recommends respecting the 30–40 km/h urban limit and 60–80 km/h on highways. Studies show higher speeds shorten reaction time and magnify the force of collision.
Public Appeal for Safer Streets
Local civic groups urge a broader road-safety campaign, calling for speed bumps, reflective signage and community education. They argue that protecting pedestrians and riders will support commerce and social life across Western Bahr el Ghazal as the region rebuilds after conflict.