The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has announced that it will conduct random drunk driving tests among a list of road safety compliance checks aimed at curbing the spike in road accidents.
NTSA Director General George Njao in a statement on April 6, 2024, announced some of the checks the Authority is set to undertake while issuing cautionary measures for motorists during the rainy season.
“As an Authority, we are committed to keeping our roads safe and to this end, NTSA and NPS officers will be on all major highways to undertake Road Safety Compliance Checks to monitor speed, verify validity of NTSA documentation/licenses, undertake random drunk driving tests, crackdown on overloaded vehicles and illegal PSVs among others,” read part of the statement.
On the other hand, the Authority warned that the heavy rains being experienced in most parts of the country create potentially dangerous conditions for road users.
NTSA urged the public to be extra vigilant, courteous, and cognizant of their safety as well as look out for vulnerable road users including children, pedestrians among others.
“With increased rainfall, the Authority cautions road users that after the recent dry weather there is accumulation of dirt, soil, and oil deposits. We advise motorists to reduce their speed, since these deposits lead to formation of slippery surfaces making stopping more difficult thus raising the possibility of losing control,” added NTSA.
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Additionally, NTSA made an appeal to motorists urging them to avoid driving through flash floods, flooded roads, and flood riverbeds.
At the same time, the Authority pleaded with passengers to take responsibility of their own safety by speaking out and stopping the driver from driving through flash floods, flooded roads, and flood riverbeds.
NTSA lists Cautionary Measures
Other cautionary measures issued by NTSA include removal of stalled vehicles as soon as possible, keeping safe distance from the vehicle ahead and always turning on the headlights to increase visibility.
Motorists were also reminded to ensure that they drive slowly after going through water to aid in brakes-drying, always keep both hands on the steering wheel to enable full control and ensure they check tires and replace them if they are worn out.
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Pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists on the other hand were advised to wear bright clothing or reflector vests.
The directive by NTSA comes following a spike in the number of road accidents during the rainy season and in the year 2024.
According to data from NTSA, road accidents across the country have claimed at least 1,189 lives since the beginning of the year.
These deaths which occurred between January 1 and April 1, 2024, are an increase compared to the same period in 2023 where deaths from crashes stood at 1,129.
In 2024, at least 255 passengers lost their lives in road crashes while 98 drivers also lost their lives.
