Careless driving and overspending are among the major causes of road traffic accidents, the dangerous behavior drivers should do away with to prevent loss of lives.
Chief Inspector of Police Emmanuel Kabanda, Spokesperson for Traffic and Road Safety department made the call in a wake of five accidents that happened on May 30 in Kicukiro, Gasabo, Rusizi, and Rubavu districts injuring at least 15 people.
Most of the injuries were minor, he said.
“Most of these accidents were due to careless driving, such as over speeding, overtaking carelessly even in sharp corners and not respecting traffic signs,” CIP Kabanda said.
He outlined vehicle mechanical status, speaking on phone while driving, driving while under the influence of influence of alcohol or drugs as among the other causes of accidents.
“Road signals were put in place to ensure safety and order for all road users. When they are ignored, accidents are bound to happen; that is why everyone, including drivers and pedestrians, need to act responsibly at all times,” he said.
He further warned drivers that could be holding or operating on fake driver’s licenses, adding that operations are still on to apprehend such individuals whose driving skills are likely to also contribute to accidents as it’s presumed they lack the skills.
“Everyone who needs a driving license should go through the right channels and pass the tests required to acquire it. Any other channel is illegal and subjected to legal action as the law stipulates,” he added.
“Vehicle owners should ensure that their cars are in good mechanical condition at all times. They should adhere to vehicle inspection whenever it is due in order to do their part in protecting other road users from encountering accidents.”
CIP Kabanda also reminded commercial motorcyclists to adhere to traffic rules, since they are among majority victims or causes of road accidents.
He also urged road users to partner with police by providing timely information through the use of toll free numbers; 112 for emergency services, 113 for road accidents and 3511 to report an injustice either caused by drivers or police officer.
RNP carries out regular outreach programs to road users, including vehicle owners and motorcycle operators, to promote road safety initiatives and partnerships with the public through community policing.
The annual road traffic week is therefore geared towards enforcing road traffic rules to ensure road safety.
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