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NTSA says speed crackdown reduced fatalities

Kinyanjui said they also recorded low drunk-driving cases during this festive season as compared to last year when most road accidents were blamed on the vice. Photo/FILE.

Kinyanjui said they also recorded low drunk-driving cases during this festive season as compared to last year when most road accidents were blamed on the vice. Photo/FILE.

NAIROBI, Kenya, Dec 28 – The National Transport and Safety Authority is attributing the reduction in road accident fatalities during the festive season to the crackdown on speeding motorists.

NTSA Chairman Lee Kinyanjui said most drivers adhered to the recommended speed limits on major highways leading to the reduction in the number of accidents and fatalities as compared to the same period two years ago.

“There is a general consciousness that driving beyond the recommended speeds poses quite some danger, there is greater consciousness. The average speed on our roads has generally come down,” he commended.
There were 32 deaths as a result of road accidents countrywide since December 24.

In an interview with Capital FM News, Kinyanjui said they also recorded low drunk-driving cases during this festive season as compared to last year when most road accidents were blamed on the vice.
“Even if we had accidents the degree of fatalities was low,” he observed.

NTSA’s Road Safety Director Mathew Munyao told Capital FM News that between December 24 and 28, 32 people lost their lives to road accidents compared to 2013 when over 60 deaths occurred.

“Over this Christmas we had fewer accidents than other traditional years. It’s comparable with last year which was nearly half of other years,” he said.

He explained that one of the measures put in place included mounting of speed cameras in more than 20 high risk spots mapped by NTSA.

NTSA further embarked on countrywide campaigns which were broadcast and published on local newspapers to sensitise drivers on road safety measures.

He campaign included the use of Short Messaging Services to warn Kenyans of the heavy fines that drivers will bear if they fail to observe traffic rules.

Despite the reduced number of deaths on the roads, Munyao said no life should be lost because of reckless driving.

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He urged motorists to also plan their journeys back from upcountry in advance to avoid last minute driving that is likely to lead to confusion or tempt drivers to over speed.

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