KAMPALA – Uganda loses 12 people daily, on average, in traffic road crashes, as reported by the Uganda Police.
According to SP Michael Kananura, the Community Liaison Officer for the Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety, vulnerable groups such as motorcyclists, cyclists, and pedestrians constitute 80% of the fatalities.
Kananura attributed the fatalities to the following;
Speeding.
Speed is a major risk factor and is among the leading causes of road crashes. An increase in speed reduces your reaction time, breaking distance and stopping distance. The speed at which a vehicle travels directly influences the risk of a crash as well as the severity of injuries and likelihood of death.
Our interventions
Strengthening operations on speeding using the already deployed speed guns and CCTV Cameras, the cameras capture the violators who are black listed and then traced for.
Continued sensitizations on the dangers of speeding on roads, issuance of road safety messages in form of stickers about dangers of speed e.g. “speed kills” go slow your family is waiting” etc
Drunk driving
Drunk driving is a risk factor and it has been identified as a major cause of death not only in Uganda but worldwide, alcohol impairs both the driver’s vision and decision making and this puts all road users at high risk of injury or death.
Our interventions
Weekly operations on drivers who are under the influence of alcohol are being conducted, In these operations we have added a component of taking biometrics (Finger prints) so as to have a profile (Database) of drivers who will have been found to be driving motor vehicles under the influence of alcohol.
Random checks especially for the drivers of passenger service vehicles, a number of them have been got and penalized according to the law.
Distracted driving
Distracted driving increases chances of road traffic crashes, anything that takes away your attention from driving can be a distraction. Sending a text message, talking on mobile phones, using navigation system, eating e.t.c
Sensitization on the dangers of use of mobile phones and other distracted driving have been ongoing.
Improper overtaking
Overtaking in corners, on hills, overtaking when another vehicles has started to overtake, overtaking when they are many vehicles ahead all this puts one at a risk of a road crash that may lead to death or severe injuries.
Seat belts and helmets usage.
Being buckled up during a road crash helps keep you safe and secure inside your car, being ejected from a vehicle is always dangerous and deadly, if you don’t wear your seat belt, you could be thrown out which poses a danger to your life.
Helmets are designed to help prevent injuries of the head, a serious fall or crash can cause permanent brain damage or death. The regulation requires both the rider and the passenger to wear or put on the crash helmet.
