In a recent report by the Uganda Police, several common causes of road crashes were identified, including over speeding, careless overtaking, distracted driving, and exceeding speed limits.
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| micheal Kananura spokesperson of traffic police . |
By our reporter .
While cameras have proven
instrumental in monitoring traffic violations, the Traffic Police spokesperson,
Michael Kananura, acknowledges that challenges persist in areas without
surveillance.
In an interview with Voice one media updates , Kananura expressed the need for comprehensive technology implementation
to monitor traffic even in the absence of traffic officers.
As the festive season approaches, there is typically a significant increase in
traffic flow, both in terms of vehicles and pedestrians.
The reasons behind this surge are multifaceted. Many people travel from towns
and cities to rural areas during this period. Furthermore, individuals who have
been residing abroad often return home for the festivities. Additionally, some
individuals purchase new vehicles for the first time and want to showcase them
by attending church services.
We also observe an influx of inexperienced drivers who venture out with their
families. Visitors from other countries, unfamiliar with the local terrain,
often hire vehicles and attempt to drive within the country.
Taxis overcrowded with passengers and carrying excess weight are also common.
Moreover, vehicles that have been parked for an extended period, often old and
in poor condition with worn-out tires and faulty lights, are brought out of
garages as everyone feels compelled to drive.
City dwellers accustomed to short distances may attempt long drives during the
festive season, despite their lack of experience on highways. Pedestrians also
contribute to the accidents as they traverse the roads, sometimes colliding
with motorcycles or vehicles.
It is crucial to anticipate a significant increase in the number of vehicles on
the roads. Additionally, we can expect less experienced drivers and an influx
of pedestrians moving from one place to another. While drivers play a critical
role in ensuring safety, passengers must also fulfill their responsibilities.
Passengers should never board vehicles in poor mechanical condition. They must
assess the vehicle's condition, such as checking for worn-out tires,
malfunctioning lights, or other visible defects that could jeopardize their
safety. Passengers should avoid boarding such vehicles, as their lives are at
stake.
Passengers must board vehicles only at designated places authorized for
passenger pickup, such as gazetted taxi stages. Passengers should exercise
caution when selecting vehicles and be mindful of where they board, including
motorcycles.
If passengers witness any traffic violations, it is essential to note the
number plate of the vehicle they are in or about to board, including
motorcycles. This information becomes crucial when reporting incidents such as
drunk driving, speeding, or careless overtaking. The police have toll-free
numbers (08001990999) that passengers can call to provide this information.
Passengers can share this information through various channels where the police
are active, ensuring a swift response. It is crucial to include the vehicle's
number plate, make, the route being taken, and the specific location to help
authorities identify relevant checkpoints and officers and intercept the
vehicle before it causes an accident.
One significant challenge is the lack of widespread understanding and awareness
of road safety. Many individuals only pay attention to road safety after tragic
incidents occur. It is vital for people to recognize that road safety is a
shared responsibility. Instead of relying solely on traffic police, individuals
must understand their roles.
For example, passengers should not board motorcycles already carrying two or
three passengers, as this puts everyone at risk. Passengers and other road
users have a more significant role to play in ensuring safety than traffic
police, as it starts with individual awareness and responsibility.
The utilization of CCTV cameras in addressing traffic violations has proven
beneficial, albeit with some limitations. While these cameras play a
significant role in urban areas like Kampala and major cities, it's
acknowledged that accidents occur in non-camera-equipped rural areas.
Challenges persist in locations without surveillance, posing obstacles to
comprehensive monitoring.
In urban centers, however, we effectively employ CCTV cameras to gather
information on road traffic violations, facilitating our efforts to address and
penalize offenders. Plans are underway to enhance technological integration for
improved road safety measures.
The effectiveness of reporting incidents depends on where and to whom they are
reported. It is essential to realize that officers on the road have supervisors
overseeing their activities. Individuals must understand the appropriate
channels for reporting incidents.
Reporting mistreatment by an officer at one checkpoint to another officer at a
different checkpoint on the same level would likely yield no results. Instead,
individuals should report such incidents to the officer's supervisor or
higher-ranking authorities. Our offices in Nateete are open, and we have an
alert squad dedicated to addressing indiscipline among traffic officers,
particularly those involved in corruption or abusive behavior. Individuals
reported and facing legal proceedings are duly tried, and appropriate sanctions
are imposed upon conviction.
Several measures have been implemented and publicized to enhance road safety
during the festive season, with a primary focus on enforcement. Rigorous
enforcement campaigns, particularly emphasizing driving licenses, have been
initiated. These operations target individuals who pose a risk on the roads due
to their lack of compliance. The enforcement efforts have already commenced,
with specific attention given to boda-boda riders without helmets, reflective
jackets, and valid driving licenses. Furthermore, operations addressing drunk
driving, known as "Kawunyemu," have been initiated to address this
hazardous behavior. We are also actively conducting operations to curb
speeding, recognized as a significant contributor to road crashes. Speed checks
are being conducted using speed guns, with officers deployed on highways to
apprehend those exceeding speed limits.
we have conducted extensive sensitization campaigns across various
locations, and our commitment to this effort remains unwavering.
These campaigns are instrumental in fostering behavioral change, a crucial
aspect of promoting road safety.
Emphasizing the importance of discipline on the roads, particularly addressing
issues such as speeding, driving under the influence, and mobile phone usage,
is paramount.
It is imperative that we exercise caution and prioritize our safety when
navigating the roads. Recognizing road safety as a shared responsibility is
vital in maintaining order on the roads. We must remember that while we own our
vehicles, we do not own the roads. Respect for fellow road users is fundamental
to ensuring a safe and harmonious driving environment.
As the festive season approaches, it's crucial for all road users to be aware
of the heightened traffic and understand the collective responsibility we hold.
Whether you're a pedestrian, a passenger in a vehicle, or even on a motorcycle,
everyone plays a significant role. To our drivers, remember, numerous lives are
entrusted to your care. Vigilance is key. Additionally, we urge everyone to
report any instances of corruption on our roads. Consider the impact: a driver
exchanging money with a traffic officer jeopardizes lives. Reporting such
incidents is a service to the community. Let's not remain silent. Above all,
prioritize your safety; don't compromise by boarding a vehicle in poor
condition. Your life is invaluable.
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