About 1000 villagers from 10 villages in Kyauktaga and Phyu townships of Bago Region will be trained from April 1 to June 30.

Bernd Marx, Shell Group’s general manager for road safety. said the company would jointly conduct road safety campaigns to educate drivers and those living along the highway.

They would also put up 11 signboards reminding motorists of the 100km speed limit along the No 3 highway until Mile 115, as well as posters with messages on protecting life at restaurants, he said.

Country chair of Shell Myanmar and Integrated Energy Gas lead Yusuko Yoshida said road safety should be treated with immediate response.

“Education and awareness programs that can help people be responsible and careful road users should be conducted,” she said.

MRCS secretary-general U Khin Maung Hla said a first aid camp was established at Mile 115 rest area with one ambulance, one technician and voluntary red cross members in 2013 with the assistance of Singapore Red Cross.

That first aid team has been giving preliminary care to injured persons in car accidents along the highway and sending them to the nearest hospitals.

The Yangon-Nay Pyi Taw highway is nicknamed “Death Highway”. Since it opened in 2009, it has recorded 600 deaths and 4000 cases of injuries due to accidents, according to police statistics.

Police lieutenant Win Naing from the Phyu Highway police station said there were many cases of cars turning turtle due to burst tyres and drivers falling asleep.

“But there has been a drop in accidents recently.

“The police have also set up speed detectors. Action is being taken against errant motorists,” he said, adding that those who failed to follow road regulations risk getting a K50,000 fine under the 2015 Motor Vehicles Law.

Road accidents are common in Myanmar, with an average 11.6 people dying every day nationwide. According to the World Health Organization, Myanmar has the second highest number of fatalities due to road accidents.

 

– Translation by Zaw Nyunt