EDITORIAL: Urgent call for stricter road safety measures to curb rising fatalities

National NewsNews

In the wake of the tragic incident that claimed the lives of seventeen individuals on Monday this week, in the most recent fatal road crash involving public service vehicles, it has become painfully evident that urgent action is needed to address the alarming surge in road-related accidents.

With more than 120 deaths on our roads in the month of January alone, this disturbing trend demands immediate attention and effective intervention.

One of the recurring factors contributing to these accidents is dangerous driving, particularly reckless overtaking, often occurring during the night.

17 killed, several injured in grisly road accident on Kisumu-Nairobi road. Photo: Nation
17 killed, several injured in grisly road accident on Kisumu-Nairobi road. Photo: Nation

This reckless behavior not only endangers the lives of those directly involved but also poses a significant threat to other road users.

The current state of our roads raises critical questions about the enforcement and effectiveness of previously implemented measures.

The Michuki rules, which were introduced to instill discipline on our roads, have lost their efficacy over time.

The lapse in enforcing regulations requiring the installation of speed governors and safety belts in public service vehicles (PSVs) has exacerbated the risk factors associated with road travel.

ALSO READ: 11 people die in accident on Kisumu – Nairobi highway

It is imperative that we revisit and reinstate these measures to restore order and safety on our roads.

Travelling on Kenyan roads has regrettably become akin to participating in an extreme sport, where safety is neither promised nor guaranteed.

The mounting casualties emphasizes the need for a renewed commitment to road safety.

As we embark on the month of February, let it be a collective goal to strive for safer roads in Kenya.

By prioritizing road safety, we can work towards preventing further tragedies and fostering an environment where every journey is undertaken with a reasonable expectation of arriving safely at the destination.

Copy by Fred Indimuli- host Morning Cafe show

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