Jacob Owiti | NATION Residents of Holo trading centre on the Kisumu-Bondo highway erect bumps and paint Zebra crossings on the road yesterday to protest against an upsurge of road accidents at the spot. The Transport Licensing Board is considering raising the age limit for driving some classes of vehicles to cut road carnage.
By SIMON SIELE ssiele@ke.nationmedia.comPosted Tuesday, February 22 2011 at 21:00
In Summary
- Statistics show that 39 per cent of crashes involve cars driven by 18 to 24-year-olds
People aged between 18 and 24 may be barred from driving in a new push to check road accidents.
The Transport Licensing Board is considering raising the age limit for driving some classes of vehicles, introducing mandatory refresher courses and cracking down on drink-driving.
Statistics indicate that 39 per cent of vehicles involved in accidents in the country are driven by young men aged between 18 and 24. This, according to the board, means the group comprises the most dangerous or reckless drivers on the roads.
The regulator said on Tuesday accidents cost the country about Sh4 billion every year.
Board chairman Hassan ole Kamwaro said Kenya had one of the highest road accident rates in the world. For instance, for every 100,000 vehicles, 500 people are killed on the road compared to four in the US.
“It does not help us at all to continue losing more lives because of carelessness and indiscipline among our road users,” said Mr Kamwaro.
He spoke in Nakuru during a crackdown on unroadworthy vehicles.
Research indicates that most traffic accidents are caused by human error, poor roads and defective vehicles.
Road traffic injuries represent about 60 per cent of all admissions to surgical wards. The situation has been compounded by the entry of motorcycle taxis.
“While the boda boda boom has benefited many previously unemployed people in Kenya, new safety concerns have emerged as road accidents have drastically increased because in most cases, motorcyclists and passengers cruise without helmets,” warns a report on road safety.
Most of the cyclists are not formally trained and do not understand traffic rules. Some of them were trained on the job by their peers.
Another reason cited for the high are of accidents involving motorcycle taxis is overloading. Though meant for one passenger, some motorcyclists carry up to three people, making it difficult for them to navigate the roads comfortably.
A 2007 study on drink driving by the Kenya Medical Association showed that 10 per cent of drivers are usually under the influence of alcohol at any given time.
Of 479 drivers in Nairobi tested for alcohol, about 50 were found to have exceeded the alcohol limit.
The study also found that most of the suspects were driving personal cars, as opposed to matatus and taxis.
Mr Kamwaro said 85 per cent of accidents are caused by human error.
Most pedestrians injured or killed entered the road without establishing if it was clear of vehicles, while most car accidents occurred due to speeding or overtaking at corners.
The environmental factors leading to accidents include road defects, animals, various obstructions and the weather.
Although the law requires use of seat belts, motorists and passengers appear not bothered to use them.
“Operators must comply with all the regulations and those flouting these rules would be dealt with according to the law,” the board boss said, adding that enforcing road safety regulations should be embraced positively by all Kenyans.
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