Traffic Offenses That Will Put Many Into Trouble This Christmas

Motorists have been cautioned to keenly observe traffic rules as police begin crackdown on rogue motorists. Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki said this move is aimed at averting road accidents this festive season.

The immediate crackdown will be targeting motorists who are overspeeding, overloading goods, and excess passengers as well as drunk driving. The crackdown is also targeting motorists operating at night without valid travel licenses and those without valid PSV licenses.

Other offenses include unlawful lights on motor vehicles, contravention of licensed public service vehicle routes, and delayed removal of stalled vehicles.

“It is our expectation that those who will find themselves on the wrong side of this campaign will not only be arrested but will also be subjected to the due process of punishment including instant fines and where applicable, prompt prosecution,” Kindiki said on Tuesday during the 2022 December Festivity Enforcement Initiative.

Road accidents have recently increased owing to reckless driving. A new report by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) shows there was a 3 percent increase in road accidents as of November 15. This means there were 4,432 deaths compared to 4,271 in a corresponding period last year.

In the 9 months to September, 3, 541 people died in road accidents representing a 7.8 percent increase from the 3,286 recorded in a similar period last year. Pedestrians accounted for the highest number of fatalities followed by motorcyclists, passengers, drivers, and pillion passengers.

The major causes of the accidents were speeding, driving under the influence of a substance, distracted driving, and the nonuse of motorcycle helmets, and seatbelts, among others.

According to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO), Pedestrians and cyclists are the most prone to road accidents. WHO explains that when a vehicle is overspeeding, the death risk for pedestrians hit by car fronts rises rapidly 4.5 times from 50 km/h to 65 km/h. At the same time, the fatality risk for a car-to-car crash is 85 percent at 65 km/h.

WHO says correct helmet use can lead to a 42 percent reduction in the risk of fatal injuries and a 69 percent reduction in the risk of head injuries. Equally, Wearing a seatbelt reduces the risk of death among drivers and front seat occupants by 45 – 50 percent and the risk of death and serious injuries among rear seat occupants by 25 percent.

Roads and Transport CS Kipchumba Murkomen urged passengers in both private and public vehicles to speak out against reckless driving and other habits that endanger their lives.

The CS said a high number of road crashes occur at night due to poor visibility.

“We urge motorists, especially those driving heavy commercial vehicles and public service vehicles operating at night to implement measures that will enhance visibility,”  he said.