Alain Jeannot: "Road safety should become a culture in Mauritius"

For years you lead awareness campaigns on road safety. What is your observation of road safety in Mauritius?

The situation on our roads could have been worse but it could also have been better! The number of fatalities per 100 000 population varies between 11 and 13 in recent years. Our road network has increased from a few kilometers while the volume of our vehicle fleet has almost doubled in 12 years. In addition, our lifestyle has changed. Stress and lack of adequate sleep does not come together with road safety.

Do you think the authorities are sufficiently engaged in the campaign to ensure road safety?

The fatality index remains more or less the same since 2000 with an average of one death per 2000 vehicles. Imagine what the situation would have been if the sensitizing actions were not taken. However, I insist that we can do better! I'm sure.

What do you suggest as measures to remedy the situation? 

Prevention! Do not wait until a tragic accident reminds us that the road is not safe to respond. Prevention should become a culture. Road awareness should be practiced from the cradle and extended in all our schools in kindergarten. We can not escape it if we want to make things better. We need to give a healthy lifestyle, a proper amount of sleep. It would also maintain our existing road infrastructure. I'm sorry to say that at this level it is poor.

Did you know that we are one of the few countries in the world with almost 100% of roads paved? Is it well maintained? Just take a ride in the big cities where the work of any access to sewerage facilities have taken place and you will see that the road markings are virtually nonexistent. For example, in Roches-Brunes many intersections do not. I personally witnessed an accident about a year ago because of the breach.

You can install more infrastructure for pedestrians, such as crosswalks and sidewalks, and verbalize if they do not use it. We must also ensure that the most vulnerable road users, pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists, are visible at any time on the road.

What are the next activities of the association? How are they funded?

Many activities are planned. For example, a monthly publication devoted entirely to road safety. Fairs, road shows, studies of behavior. We are very motivated. Our funding comes from sponsors who feel challenged by our actions.

You are very involved in this campaign. Why do you display such an interest to encourage Mauritians to be more careful on the roads?

The reason is simple: life is priceless.

You travel a lot. There may be practices that are done elsewhere and can be applied in Mauritius.What is it you think?

The points allowed the installation of cameras and speed indicators in residential areas the P plate system in Australia for those who come to get their license the deterrent presence of police vehicles at the exit of clubs, with the possibility of breath and drug tests fine for Jaywalking, namely pedestrians do not respect the highway code, as in Singapore. It should also put white stripes indicative of the distance to keep between two vehicles along the highway, as in Europe.

During the parliamentary session on Tuesday 12 July, the Prime Minister said that the police monitors illegal motorcycle rallies. What do you think of this statement?

Illegal motorcycle rallies are dangerous and the Prime Minister is absolutely right in his approach to the security of all. However, it should encourage the development of secure and controlled circuits for this kind of practice.