- Some 4,121 people had been killed in various accidents as of November 30 as compared to 3,478 who died in the same period in 2020.
- Of these, 1,413 were pedestrians. Some 1,231 died in the same period last year.
Image: SHABAN OMAR
There have been more deaths from road accidents this year compared to a similar period last year.
A survey by the National Transport and Safety Authority revealed there was an increase of 18.5 per cent in road fatalities as of November 30, 2021.
Reckless driving, dangerous overtaking, drunk driving, drunk walking, drunk riding, failure to use helmets, among other issues, have been attributed to the increase in crashes.
Some 4,121 people had been killed in various accidents as of November 30 as compared to 3,478 who died in the same period in 2020.
Of these, 1,413 were pedestrians. Some 1,231 died in the same period last year.
The pedestrians killed were crossing various roads when they were hit by vehicles and motorcycles.
NTSA said most of the accidents are preventable. “They result from speeding, lane indiscipline, overloading, dangerous overtaking and crossing the road at undesignated areas,” NTSA’s George Njao said.
He said the accidents may increase in the coming days and urged for caution from all concerned.
The team agreed to sustain various campaigns to deal with causes of the accidents in the country which are robbing many of their lives and leaving others suffering.
“The cost of an accident is immeasurable and we have to address the trend which is alarming. We are here to come up with fresh measures,” Hilary Mutyambai, the Inspector General of Police, said.
He said they will work with other agencies in an effort to address the menace.
Among others, the teams will conduct verification of road service license, motor vehicle inspection, driving license and other conductor badges.
The team will also ensure compliance with route allocation, use of short term and night travel license, conduct speed monitoring and cleanliness of vehicles.
Road users are also urged to report any misconduct on the roads. Mutyambai said the remaining roadblocks on the road will be manned by different agencies with a specific purpose as he maintained no barrier will be erected without authority.
Njao said they had undertaken several measures to address road safety concerns in a bid to reverse the worrying trend.
The measures include road safety mainstreaming in ministries, departments and agencies which is implemented through the Government Performance Contracting.
Further, NTSA said it was rooting for improved engagements with the County Governments through the County Transport and Safety Committees.
The initiative is being supported by the European Union under the recently launched “Usalama Barabarani” initiative.
The initiative’s main focus is Road Safety Management and Safer Road Users.
NTSA said it had strengthened collaboration with law enforcers for harmonious execution of its mandate, while at the same time, providing access to vehicle records and licensing data to support security agencies.
It has also developed comprehensive, highly publicised road safety awareness campaigns and programmes among pedestrians, boda boda riders, drivers of public service vehicles and heavy commercial vehicles aimed at behaviour change.
(edited by Amol Awuor)