NTSA cautions motorists of slippery roads owing to oil buildup » Capital News
NAIROBI, Kenya, Apr 6 — The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) cautioned motorists of slick roads due to oil collection over the dry season and accumulation of dirt following the onset of rains.
In a statement on Saturday, NTSA Director General George Njao said the deposits could result in slippery surfaces making stopping more difficult and raising the possibility of losing control.
He also urged drivers to avoid driving through flash floods, flooded roads and flooded riverbeds.
“We appeal to motorists to desist the urge while at the same time pleading with passengers to take responsibility for their safety, speak out, and stop the driver,” read the statement.
The authority also ordered the removal of stalled vehicles from the road as heavy rains impact visibility. It urged motorists to keep headlights on to prevent accidents.
“Be aware that brakes can be affected by water. After going through water, drive slowly, this helps dry the brakes and always keep both hands on the steering wheel to enable full control,” NTSA stated.
NTSA also urged motorists to regularly inspect and replace their tires when necessary as a safety precaution.
As an additional safety measure, NTSA recommended that motorcyclists, pedestrians, and cyclists wear reflective vests or bright clothing when using the roads.
Highway patrols
The Authority said its enforcement teams and the Police will be on major highways to undertake road safety compliance checks, monitor speed, and verify the validity of the required documents and licenses from road users.
NTSA said it will crack down on overloaded vehicles and illegal public service vehicles and undertake random drunk driving tests.
The agency’s advisory followed a Saturday morning road accident in Kikuyu, Kiambu County, where a bus rammed into a stalled fuel tanker in Muguga area, resulting in the deaths of two people and injuries to ten others.
Kikuyu Police Commander Ronald Kirui said the bus belonging to Eldoret Express Company was heading to Nairobi from Nakuru rammed into a fuel tanker stalled on the road.
The driver had lost control and hit the oil tanker from behind.
“We had two fatalities and more than ten were rushed to hospitals. The area is now wet due to rains and we urge drivers to be careful,” he said.
Police took the injured to different hospitals in the Kikuyu area and moved the two bodies to P.C.E.A Thogoto Hospital Mortuary.
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