The Motor Traffic act, enacted by members of the National Assembly, and assented for by the president of the Republic, Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh, last July, has now come into force.  

Many commercial vehicle users will realize that if you have boarded one and occupied the front seat, drivers are keen to have you belt up, that is, if they are conscious of the implications of failure to do so. While for some passengers it is a matter of naivety, for most it is a matter of forgetfulness.

The police are not relaxing, and they are going as far as possible to ensure that there is absolutely no excuse from any quarter. In cooperation with Galp Energia, a new entrant to the energy sector of The Gambia, the police have mounted a massive campaign, dubbed "Stay safe and secure." In fact, the idea is that of Galp Energia. And according to its managing director, Julius Freeman, Galp, having taken over Shell (Gambia LTD), is quite committed to its social responsibility.

He emphasized that while they are committed to continuing on the positive directions of their predecessor company, they are also keen in injecting their own innovative ideas. Issues of social concern like road safety, according to Freeman, take a center stage.  "The importance of using the seat belt while driving greatly contributes in ensuring survival in case of accident," remarked a senior police officer, in a documentary on GRTS.

According to the police, it is the responsibility of the driver, who is in charge of the vehicle, to ensure that his passengers, especially those that occupy the front seats, are safe by making use of the seat belt. The police spokesperson, ASP Sulayman Secka’s warning to drivers is simple and straightforward.

Drivers should be careful not to get caught, because if they are, they will be fined for nothing less than D100. PRO Secka’s message is by no means ambiguious as he tried to put it clear that the law is not limited to commercial drivers, rather, it is for vehicles carrying both commercial and private registration plate. The police are quite appreciative of the stance of Galp Energia in this crusade and described it as: "a great initiative."