Road safety tips for the festive season

During the recently concluded road safety Tweddeko Caravan that was organised by Vivo Energy Uganda and NTV Uganda on the Kampala-Gulu highway, the director of the Traffic and Road Safety Directorate, Steven Kasiima jokingly asked all district police commanders (DPCs) to clean their police cells in preparation for traffic offenders this festive season.

“I am going to give you (DPCs) Christmas tenants. I am going to make it difficult for wrongdoers to commit traffic offences and get away with it. If every motorist was responsible, road users would not die due to accidents caused by reckless drivers,” Kasiima says.

Kasiima stressed that motorists should drive with a lot of caution, observe and respect traffic regulations.

Speeding
According to Paul Kwamusi, a road safety consultant at Integrated Transport Systems Limited, 10 Ugandans die as a result of road crashes daily. One of the biggest causes of road crashes is speeding. To avoid being a part of the December 2019 road crash statistics, Here are some basic but key safety tips to have in mind.

Avoid overtaking
Winstone Katushabe, the commissioner of Transport Regulation and Safety at the Ministry of Works and Transport, says the period between December and January is a delicate season. Many people travel during this time.

“Even when you know you can overtake, restrain yourself. It may be that moment of restraint that will save your life and that of another road user,” Katushabe advises.

Plan your journey
One of the many reasons some motorists speed is because they do not plan for their journeys. For instance, if you are driving to Kisoro or Arua from Kampala, make sure to buy all you need the day before so that you are not swamped by things to get done on the travel day.

Usually, when shopping is done on the same day, motorists are caught up by time and this is how the temptation to speed comes about.

“Shopping can be stressful. If you carry the same stress to the road, you are likely to make poor judgements when it comes to driving. Even if you have a driver, do not pressurise them to speed,” Katushabe adds.

Kwamusi adds that travellers should also map out points where they will stop to stretch and rest as a way of dealing with fatigue.

Rest before the journey
Kwamusi notes that it is important to have enough rest on the eve of a journey. Desist from drinking or eating anything that might destabilise your body system.

Eat light foods you are used to to avoid developing stomach complications or food poisoning while driving.

“When you get enough rest, your body and mind are fresh. This helps you go on the road with a sober mind to make the right decisions for yours and others’ safety,” Kwamusi adds.

Expect increased traffic
According to Charles Ssebambulidde, the spokesperson of the traffic directorate, 2019 has been characterised by increased motorisation across the country.

This means that there will be increased activity on the road as motorists and traders move from one place to another anytime.

This also translates into more mistakes, which could lead to increased accidents or crashes.

“Make sure the vehicle you are driving is in the best mechanical condition. If you are caught driving without a permit or with a forged one, you will be detained and taken to court,” he stresses.

Stay in your lane
Kasiima also emphasizes proper lane usage. For instance, if you are driving along climbing lanes, you must drive from the extreme left lane and leave the one in the middle free.

It is meant for vehicles that are overtaking. And after overtaking on a climbing lane, you must also go back to the extreme left lane.

However, you should only overtake when there is no vehicle on the oncoming traffic side to avoid head-on collisions.

Passenger safety tips
As a passenger, before you board a commuter taxi or bus, take note of its number plate so that when its driver becomes reckless, you inform the traffic police through the hotline number, 0800199099 (toll free) or 0718357497 of where the vehicle is overtaking from and where it is heading for quicker identification.
“Public service vehicles tend to speed to make return journeys and make money. Do not let drivers put your lives at risk by allowing them drive recklessly. If you do not control them, instead of celebrating, your family will be mourning during this season,” Katushabe warns.

Pedestrians
For pedestrians, it is advisable to cross the road at a zebra crossing. When walking by the roadside, avoid talking on phone or using earphones. Another road user may be absentminded and they ram into you.