By Peter Ochieng
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has issued a safety advisory to Kenyans, as heavy rains continue to be experienced in various parts of the country.
NTSA Director General George Njao in a statement on Saturday said the heavy rains experienced in most past of the country create potentially dangerous conditions for road users.
“We urge the public to be extra vigilant, courteous and cognizant of their safety as well as looking out for vulnerable road users including children, pedestrians among others,” Njao said in the advisory.
“With increased rainfall, the authority cautions road users that after the recent dry weather there is accumulation of dirt, soil, and oil deposits. We advise motorists to reduce their speed, since these deposits lead to formation of slippery surfaces making stopping more difficult thus raising the possibility of losing control.”
NTSA warned motorists against driving through flash floods, flooded roads and flooded riverbeds. “We appeal to motorists to desist the urge while at the same time plead with passengers to take responsibility for their own safety, speak out and stop the driver,” adds NTSA.
Other cautionary measures issued by the authority include removal of stalled vehicles as soon as possible, keeping a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, turning on the headlights to increase visibility, and being aware that brakes can be affected by water, thus the need to drive slowly which helps dry the brakes after going through water.
Others are always keeping both hands on the steering wheel to enable full control, checking tyres and replacing them if they are worn out, while pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclist are urged wear bright clothing or reflector vests.
The director general insisted that NTSA and National Police Service (NPS) will continue manning major highways with a view of undertaking road safety compliance checks to monitor speed, verify validity of NTSA documentation, undertake random drunk driving tests and crackdown on overloaded vehicles, among others.
