The transport sector under the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) needs to exercise its absolute mandate, as enshrined in the law, to eradicate malpractices on our roads.
We are tired of hearing and seeing the learners we teach in our learning institutions missing because of death, or even teaching learners who walk with crutches, just because a particular motorist was careless on the road.
Even as learners and parents brace themselves for opening, a solemn appeal to the drivers is that they should abide by all the set driving rules because they are tailored for the common good of all the travellers.
There is a lot of overspeeding on our roads, mostly by youthful drivers who sometimes appear intoxicated. This puts the lives of all travellers and other road users on the line.
Some vehicles are deemed to have been fitted with speed governors, yet they exceed the specified speed limit. This is explicitly a description of impunity on our roads.
A sizeable number of cars are unroadworthy and in a ramshackle state. Some of these are the only available means, especially in rural areas.
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Recently, very senior government officers managing teachers were involved in a terrible accident. The accident endangered the lives of significant people who carry our country’s educational vision.
Teachers are tired of the noise, especially hearing about accidents from time to time, but our country has all the necessary personnel to curb such problems.
How can irresponsible road users cut short the vision and potential of our learners?
Some could be significant future leaders who can turn around our economy.
Some travellers hang up on vehicles, while others are overloaded, compromising their stability. The resultant consequence is, of course, an accident.
While our government has tried to construct better roads, it is time to build exceptional roads to eliminate accidents caused by poor infrastructure.
In the same way, touts who have not been licensed to drive passenger vehicles have caused a number of accidents.
There are many other traffic laws which drivers overlook. This impedes successful road safety.
Unscrupulous vehicle owners set unrealistic targets for the drivers, which are supposed to be met by the drivers of their vehicles. This amounts to greed through the overworking of the drivers. Efficiency at such a point is completely compromised.
According to available statistics, last year alone, our country lost over 4700 people through road accidents.
Another unfortunate report reveals that school-going children account for 21 per cent of all annual deaths.
In almost every village and every hospital, there are people with broken limbs because of either car or motorcycle accidents.
It’s time for all officials charged with restoring sanity on our roads to do so speedily.
On their side, drivers must maintain a lot of discipline and caution on our roads.
By Hillary Muhalya
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