“Analysis of the crashes continue to point at common road traffic offences such as drinking and driving, overloading, speeding, driver fatigue, use of unroadworthy vehicles, dangerous overtaking, lack of proper discipline, freewheeling among other human controllable factors,” the statement reads in part.
From the statement the two agencies indicated that from the beginning of 2020 a new programme to educate the public on road safety dubbed “Usalama Barabarani and Road Safety Mainstreaming in the public sector to help curb accidents.
NTSA and NPS issued four measures that will be employed in ensuring safety in this festive period:
Fleet Speed Monitoring: NTSA will monitor the fleet data of PSVs. Any vehicle driven beyond the stipulated time limit will be impounded and a prohibition order issued. The owner and the driver of the vehicle will be charged in line with the Traffic Act.
Random Driver Checks: There shall be impromptu checks along major highways.
Licence Validity Verification: All motorist must ensure that their licences are valid. Other documents that will be verified for validity include; PSV licences and Road Service Licenses (RSL) for public vehicles and Motor Vehicle Inspection certificates for PSV and heavy commercial vehicles.
Rout Compliance/ Short Term Licence and Night Travel Licence: PSV operators should only ply within their licenced routes. Those who will fail to comply with the terms and conditions of the licences shall have the RSL suspended.
The agencies urged Kenyans to plan adequately for their journey, and be vigilant on the roads. They also urged members of the public to speak up against reckless driving and contact NPS hotlines 999 and 112 if there be need.