Traffic rules to observe during the festive season
National
By
Esther Nyambura
| Dec 13, 2023
As the festive season kicks in Kenyans have been cautioned against being reckless on the roads.
Speaking on Spice FM, Traffic Department Boss and Assistant Superintendent Peter Odhiambo has urged Kenyans to observe traffic rules as it is during the festive season that most road accidents occur.
Among the rules to be observed include driving at the right speed limit.
According to Odhiambo, personal vehicles should not exceed 110 km/hr on a dual carriage way and 100 km/hr on a single carriageway.
Public service vehicles should observe the normal 80 km/hr speed limit.
For motorcycles, the driver needs to wear a helmet and should not carry two pillion passengers.
However, if one has to then the second passenger has to be less than 13 years of age.
Further, Odhiambo says they are not supposed to carry a passenger and luggage.
According to him, motorists with luggage are the second leading fatal victims on the road.
Pedestrians on the other hand are advised to use the designated sidewalks and walk against traffic to see the incoming vehicles.
According to Odhiambo, road safety is a shared responsibility between civilians and police officers.
"Road safety is a shared responsibility. The role of police officers is mandated by law. However, as a civilian, it is your civil duty to know that when I'm using the road this is what I'm supposed to do. So that as the police, I come to initiate and build up from what already exists," said Odhiambo.
Reiterating Odhiambo's sentiments, Assistant Inspector General of Police Mary Wangui said that most accidents can be avoided if everyone chooses to observe traffic rules.
According to her, pedestrians should use footbridges and cross the roads carefully, drivers should not use their phones while driving or driving under the influence of drugs.
On Monday, December 11, National Police boss Adamson Bungei while addressing the media said that the police are ready to take up responsibility for ensuring the safety of Kenyans during the festive season.
"We will be well coordinated, our offices will be open to ensure everyone is attended to, in case of a challenge. More personnel have been mobilised for the operations," he said.
According to him, both those in uniform and their counterparts in plain clothes will take part in patrols in public spaces such as shopping malls and places of worship.
Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura also advised Kenyans intending to travel upcountry to avoid night travels and unnecessary trips.
This is due to challenges posed by heavy rains which have rendered some roads impassable.
"When it rains flash floods are still imminent so it may not be very safe to travel. Unless it is extremely necessary, we should keep off these roads altogether until such a time that are fully restored," said Mwaura.