The Addis Ababa Traffic Management Agency has stated that the digital traffic control system implemented following the Digital Ethiopia movement is expected to reduce traffic accidents.
The Deputy Director General of the Authority, Elias Zerga (Eng.), had a discussion with ETV's 'Addis Ken Hager Guday' (New Day Country Affairs) program.
The Deputy Director General recalled that before the implementation of the digital traffic control system, methods such as confiscating driver's licenses, removing license plates, and similar approaches were used to enforce penalties.
Recognizing that this previous process was inconvenient for drivers, he explained that the digital traffic control system has been put into operation. He mentioned that the implemented digital application allows for penalty payments simply by entering a phone number.
However, ETV asked why, when drivers commit violations in the city, they are still being handled by the old system.
In response, the Deputy Director General explained that the delay in full implementation is due to not all driver information being completely entered into the server where the driver data is stored.
He stated that once this is fully corrected, it will be possible to have drivers who understand they will be held accountable when they break the law, and controllers who can make decisions based on data and accuracy. He added that this system is expected to reduce crime (violations) and accidents.
On his part, Mohammed Hassan, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Road Safety and Regional Fund Service, stated that society should not become accustomed to illegality.
He commented that the question "Even if we make mistakes, shouldn't we be penalized?" in relation to the amount of fines is inappropriate.
The Deputy CEO stated that traffic accidents resulting in property damage increased by 34 percent in the past 6 months. He says this indicates an increase in the number of vehicles entering the roads and a lack of awareness.
He urged drivers to fulfill their responsibilities and protect themselves and others from harm.