NTSA issues advisory to road users amid heavy rains, announces plans to conduct random crackdowns on overloaded vehicles

By , K24 Digital
On Sat, 6 Apr, 2024 14:56 | 2 mins read
NTSA impounds unroadworthy vehicles in intensified crackdown
An NTSA official inspecting a vehicle. PHOTO/(@Kipchumba Murkomen)X

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has issued an advisory to road users amid a spate of road carnage witnessed in the country.

In a statement, the authority urged road users to be extra vigilant, courteous and cognizant of their safety during the rainy seasons which are likely to pose dangerous conditions for road users.

NTSA also advised motorists to avoid speeding on roads since the slippery surfaces may make it hard to navigate and control the vehicles.

"With increased rainfall, the authority cautions road users that after the recent dry weather there is an accumulation of dirt, soil and oil deposits. We advise motorists to reduce their speed since these deposits lead to the formation of slippery surfaces making stopping more difficult thus raising the possibility of losing control," NTSA said.

"Additionally, we have witnessed cases of motorists driving through flash floods, flooded roads, and flood riverbeds. We appeal to motorists to desist the urge while at the same time plead with passengers to take responsibility for their own safety, speak out and stop the driver."

The authority also advised motorists to take measures such as turning headlights to increase visibility, keeping both hands on the steering wheel to enable full control, repairing worn-out tyres and checking for the tyre conditions among others.

Further, the authority reiterated its unwavering commitment to keeping the roads safe, NTSA also announced that the body will be collaborating with police officers to undertake random crackdowns on overloaded vehicles as well as random drunk driving tests.

Pedestrians and cyclists were also advised to wear bright clothing or reflector vests to avert road carnage and keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead.

NTSA also emphasised that all road users should play their part in ensuring their safety, underscoring that road safety is a shared responsibility.

Intensified crackdown

The latest comes amid an ongoing crackdown aimed at intensifying efforts to ensure safety compliance checks across the country.

During the crackdown, NTSA in coordination with police erected roadblocks across major highways in a move meant to restore sanity on roads.

The crackdown comes amidst a spate of road accidents witnessed over the past few weeks.

The latest incident occurred in the Mugaga area of Kikuyu, Kiambu County today.

The accident involved a 62-seater bus belonging to Eldoret Express Company and a fuel tanker.

While confirming the unfortunate incident, Kikuyu Police Commander Ronald Kirui said the bus which was headed to Nakuru rammed into the fuel tankers which had stalled on the road.

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