NTSA issues safety notice to all road users amid heavy rains
By Mary Wambui |
The risk of poor visibility and slippery roads demand extra care and attention particularly by drivers.
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has issued a Safety Notice to all road users urging them to exercise caution and vigilance as they drive and walk in the current weather.
In a statement released Wednesday evening, NTSA's Road Safety Manager and Head of Strategies Samuel Musumba called on drivers to avoid the temptation to drive on flooded roads.
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"As the country continues to experience very extreme weather events, a lot of rains are pounding several parts of the country during which we are experiencing so many challenges including damage to our roads, bridges and other infrastructure posing serious hazards to our drivers and increasing the risk of road traffic crashes and incidences," he said.
"We are deeply concerned about the safety of our roads during this period, everybody; motorists, pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists seem to be at a very high risk on our roadways."
He further urged all road users to exercise safety while on the move.
As of April 22, 2024, Red Cross Kenya recorded 35 deaths and over 188 rescued since the start of March-May rains, with 27,716 acres submerged, 4,824 livestock lost, and 23 counties affected.
"We must all take proactive measures to ensure our safety and that of any other road user. Driving in the rains requires a lot of caution and vigilance and even cycling and walking," Musumba said.
According to the authority, the risk of poor visibility, slippery roads and hydroplaning demand extra care and attention particularly by drivers.
Eastleigh’s 2nd Avenue, Nairobi after heavy rains on March 24, 2024. (Photo: Amin Abdullahi/EV)
"We therefore implore our drivers to adhere to the following safety guidelines at all times. Reduce speed, increase your following distance to mitigate against rear-end collisions, and ensure your headlights are on even during the daytime to improve visibility for yourself and other road users.
Regular updates
Musumba further called on Kenyans to stay updated on the happenings and delay travel where roads have been blocked until conditions improve.
"Approach intersections with caution since wet road surfaces can increase the risk of skidding or sliding and we have seen several vehicles being swept off the roads which is very risky," he added.
He further urged motorists not to underestimate flooded roads as they might have hazards like swept-off debris.
The authority emphasised the importance of vehicle maintenance during the current weather.
After heavy downpours this week, several sections of roads across Nairobi and other parts of the country were flooded forcing motorists to use alternative routes.
They include sections of Thika Road, Mombasa Road, Oltepesi - Magadi Road, Aerodrome, Kapenguria, UN Avenue - Runda, and the Kasarani Mwiki Road at Mwiki Bridge.
President William Ruto on Wednesday convened with local leaders to assess the situation in counties and regions affected by the ongoing heavy rains.
He directed key ministries and agencies to respond promptly to the flood's impact.
The President also said the respective ministries will immediately step up multi-agency response efforts.
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