Crime
Careless driving, speeding blamed for rising road accidents as 89 perish in one week
89 people died and 352 sustained injuries in 431 accidents that were registered last week from 10th to 16th September 2023.
According to SP Kananura Michael the Spokesperson Traffic and Road Safety Directorate, 74 were fatal, 213 were serious and 144 were minor leaving behind 441 victims.
Among the fatalities registered, 33 were on motorcycles i.e. 09 passengers travelling on these motorcycles, 24 riders, and 30 were pedestrians.
Kananura explains that the major causes of these accidents include; careless overtaking, speeding, following too close, and violating traffic direction, for example, those that drive in one way and sudden entrance.
Also, a total number of 99 Drivers were captured by CCTV Cameras for driving beyond the speed limit along the Kampala- Entebbe Expressway and all were issued with an Express penalty of 200,000/=.
The spokesperson says that the Fika Salama Extra Awareness team continues to engage communities through media houses, social media platforms and physical engagements on messages of road safety across the country.
For one week, a total number of 991 motorcycles were impounded on various offences, out of these 502 were riding without Driving licenses, 334 were without crash helmets, 298 were without reflectors and 127 were on other offences.
Last Friday, 173 drivers who were driving under the influence of alcohol were arrested from six divisions of KMP i.e. Kiira Road, Wandegeya, Old Kampala, CPS Kampala & Katwe. All were detained until Saturday, their fingerprints obtained and Issued with an Express Penalty of 200,000/=.
As schools opened for the third term this week, due to increased activities accompanied by increased traffic flow on different roads of the country, Kananura notes that there are also increased traffic violations which can lead to road crashes.
“The Directorate of Traffic & Road Safety thus reminds all parents, students, motorists and other road users of the following road safety tips. All motorists to observe the rules of the road, and exercise maximum discipline & patience to enable students and other pedestrians to cross. Use roads as if every child on the road is yours, said Kananura.
He adds that all children below the age of 12 must be accompanied by elders on motorcycles; Motorcycles that carry more than two children are strongly warned by the traffic police.
“Police calls upon all parents, guardians and caretakers of these children to be responsible for their safety as they travel to and from schools. All Children transported on motorcycles are required to put on helmets. Children need not be left alone while using roads, parents, guardians, caretakers or teachers need to escort or accompany them, especially on busy roads.”
He further warned all drivers against carrying excess and interference with safe driving as this contravenes with the traffic laws and regulations.
Students are also advised to take taxes and boda-bodas from recognized stages, use recognized motor vehicles for taxis with checkered bands to avoid conmen, do not board a tinted vehicle or strange vehicle.
“Take note of the registration number of the tax or boda-boda before you use. All Pedestrians including students Must Walk while facing the oncoming traffic. Cross the roads at the zebra crossing where they are available. Check Right, Left & Right then cross. Do not run while crossing the roads. Know the traffic signs and signals. Don’t play on roads and busy streets,”
he added.
He called upon parents to ensure that their children know their contacts and Emergency contacts for the police. The Public can Report Traffic Violation and other complaints on our Toll-Free Number 0800199099.
