National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has intensified its crackdown on traffic rules violation, nabbing several individuals including pedestrians disregarding set safety measures.
In a Tuesday, March 26 statement, NTSA emphasized the necessity for pedestrians to adhere to designated crossing points, including footbridges and walkways, in order to ensure their safety.
Following the recent accidents and road carnage witnessed on Kenyan roads, law enforcement agencies conducted operations targeting pedestrians who failed to comply with traffic regulations.
“In light of recent incidents and to prevent further accidents, it is imperative that pedestrians utilize designated crossing points,” stated an NTSA representative.
As a result, a number of individuals were apprehended for disregarding the prescribed safety measures.
“We are committed to enforcing traffic laws to protect the lives of all road users, including pedestrians,” remarked a police officer involved in the operation.
Highlighting the significance of observing traffic rules, the NTSA pointed out the importance of pedestrians utilizing available infrastructure designed for their safety.
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Besides, the enforcement of these regulations comes amidst a nationwide effort to reduce accidents and promote road safety for all road users.
NTSA Interventions
The NTSA further urged pedestrians to cooperate with law enforcement authorities and comply with traffic regulations to avoid any inconveniences.
“We urge pedestrians to prioritize their safety by using designated crossing points and obeying traffic signals,” NTSA reiterated.
To address the alarming trend, authorities are implementing stricter measures to promote road safety.
The National Transport and Safety Authority highlighted specific offenses, including driving on pavements, pedestrian walkways, and unauthorized bus stops.
In addition, offenders face penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment, depending on the severity and recurrence of the offense.
Fines for Various Offences
Fines for various offenses are outlined as follows:
- Driving on pavements or pedestrian walkways can result in imprisonment for up to three months or a fine of up to thirty thousand shillings for a first conviction. Subsequent convictions may lead to imprisonment for up to six months.
- Alighting or boarding from undesignated stops, similar to PSV drivers, can incur an instant fine of Ksh 1,000.
- Restrictions on riding bicycles include fines not exceeding two thousand shillings for carrying more than one passenger or carrying a load likely to be a danger to others on the road.
- Pedestrian offenses such as crossing the road while traffic lights are red may result in a fine of Ksh10,000.00, while crossing while talking on a mobile phone incurs a fine of Ksh 500.00.
Additionally, regulations regarding bicycle usage and pedestrian behavior on roads are being reinforced.
Violations such as carrying excess passengers on bicycles or crossing roads while talking on mobile phones incur fines as per the existing by-laws.
NTSA Road Accident Statistics
In the first weeks of 2024, road accidents in Kenya surged, claiming the lives of over 563 individuals and causing serious injuries to hundreds more, according to recent data from the NTSA.
This represents a worrying increase compared to the same period in the previous year, where 537 fatalities were recorded.
Pedestrians bore the brunt of these accidents, with 216 losing their lives, marking a significant rise from the previous year’s figure of 163.
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Passengers also faced a grim reality, with 109 deaths recorded, up from 98 in 2023.
However, there was a slight decrease in fatalities among motorcyclists, dropping from 151 to 140. Pillion passengers also experienced a decrease in deaths, with 54 casualties compared to 68 in the previous year.
The data further revealed that 35 drivers lost their lives in road accidents during this period, a decrease from the 49 fatalities recorded in 2023.
Despite this decline, concerns persist over the overall rise in road-related deaths.
