Reasons behind fatal road accidents in Kenya

Road accidents are now considered as the major cause of deaths in the country. The innocent lives are lost leaving relatives with losses and psychological torture. As the National Transport and safety Authority (NTSA) try to do their best to reduce the number of accident in the country, we still encounter such issues due to negligence. According to the NTSA statistics as at June 20^th 2017, 521 pedestrians have died on roads compared to last years’ 581 on the same date. A total of over one hundred and fifty drivers have lost their lives in such incidences.

Notable major causes of accidents are over speeding where drivers don’t obey the speed limit that has been put for them. Overloading has become a common thing that many touts have embraced in search for more money. Many Kenyan drivers and travelers tend to ignore basic traffic rules used in driving of vehicles in favor of their preferred way of travel.

The introduction of Alco blow gadgets, confirms that many Kenyans opt to drive their vehicles when they are eventually drunk. However, this makes it easy for accidents and commotions to be caused on roads. Another major reason is that very few Kenyans will observe the regular policy of wearing safety belts that are crucial in helping them avoid minor injuries.

Efforts made by Former Transport and Communications Minister, John Njoroge Michuki to reform public transport since February 2004, especially the chaotic Matatu (Taxi) sector have been assumed. The rise in road traffic accidents are expected to rise if measures are not taken by both the people and the government.