Citizens can play role to ensure safe boda boda operations

Even some mothers carrying babies also sit on boda bodas like they are at home in the comfort of their living rooms. FILE PHOTO

What you need to know:

  • Well, I can’t make judgment as death and life is a decision that only God has powers over. However, we should always embrace faith with action as the Bible tells us. Motorcycles don’t have seat belts, but we can still find a way of protecting ourselves. Our lives are God’s gift.

The outcry over the many road accidents arising from reckless driving and riding has been loud and clear. Certainly, all we have to blame are motorists, boda boda riders and government for not making stringent traffic rules and regulations for the transporters and commuters.

Growing up, we used to travel with my father on pick-ups and taxis. And you would expect a scold or a slap from him the moment he saw you not holding something for support as the vehicle moved, especially on highway.

My father always insisted that even as we boarded boda bodas (motorcycles) for any mistake the rider/driver makes, holding something firmly can help you to escape falling off, or hitting your head in case of reckless driving or any error made.

Indeed, holding on to something can greatly help you to survive in case of an accident. Therefore, we should all heed this advise as we travel from time to time.

Surprisingly, as I travel to and from my work place in Kampala, I often see many passengers perched on boda bodas without holding on to anything. Others worsen the situation by being busy receiving or making phone calls.

Even some mothers carrying babies also sit on boda bodas like they are at home in the comfort of their living rooms.
This state of affairs always leaves me wondering how careless some people can be even with things that touch on their lives. If you can’t afford to wear a helmet, at least hold onto a motorcycle or the rider himself!

How can people put their lives at the mercy of a boda boda rider to that extent? I recently lost a friend who died in a boda boda accident and I kept thinking, ‘perhaps she would have survived if she held the boda boda or rider firmly.

Same thing applies to people who do not wear seat belts. Why do you avoid doing the right that will even save your life in case of an accident?
Well, I can’t make judgment as death and life is a decision that only God has powers over. However, we should always embrace faith with action as the Bible tells us. Motorcycles don’t have seat belts, but we can still find a way of protecting ourselves. Our lives are God’s gift.