By: Ngalaa Rehema Chuphi
rengalaa@gmail.com
Maasai Mara University
Road traffic accidents are a major public health problem in developing countries as well as a global public health concern. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 1.35 million people die annually due to Road Traffic Accidents (RTAs).
Unruly and careless drivers are a major threat to road safety. Careless driving, over speeding, drunk driving, overlapping, distracted driving, overloading are the main reasons resulting to an alarming rate of road accidents in the country. What’s more, pedestrians are known to spurn traffic rules by crossing the streets at unassigned points and disrespecting traffic lights.
Motorcycles have an upward trend and remain a popular means of transport in the country. A large percentage of youths drop out of school only to become bodaboda drivers. They become a threat to road safety since they do not have the qualifications and experiences as drivers. Most of them ignore the fact that they should always have a helmet on when driving and in case of accidents they are seriously injured due to their ignorance.
The government should ensure that drivers are well equipped with basic first aid and supplies in case of accidents to prevent loss of innocent lives. Individuals should also be aware of the dangers ahead of them i.e. when walking on the streets with moving vehicles. Drivers should be well aware of the Kenya Traffic Rule 59A (1) which prohibits them from using their cell phones while driving. The penalties for careless driving should also be a daily reminder to drivers.
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