By Our Reporter
According to Uganda Police Traffic Spokesperson Michael Kananura, last week 65 people died and 338 sustained injuries.
Among the dead were 29 motorcyclists, 18 pedestrians, 07 passengers in motor vehicles, 04 passengers on motor cycles, 03 pedal cyclists, 03 others and 01 Driver. Motor cycles alone contributed to 45% of the total fatalities.
The major crashes of these road crashes were:-
- Careless overtaking contributed to 26% of the total crashes
- Speeding contributed to 19% of the total crashes
The notable ones were
On the 19-05-2024 at 04:30pm at River Namatala bridge along Naboa-Butaleja Road a single fatal crash involving M/V UAM 969P T/IPSUM, was registered. The crash claimed the lives of seven (07) people.
The crash occurred when the driver of the said vehicle while on his way from Mpigi to Butaleja carrying 07 passengers and himself making a total of 08 occupants in the vehicle, while at Naboa along Naboa-Butaleja Road in Budaka District lost control and drowned into the waters of River Namatala, 07 people lost lives due to drowning, at first only six bodies had been found but later late in the evening 01 which was missing was also found whereas the driver managed to get out the vehicle through the open glass of his door un injured.
”Bodies were removed and taken to Budaka HC IV & postmortem was done. The motor vehicle was towed to Budaka Police station pending IOVs Inspection,” says Kananura.
The cause, according to the preliminary report, is said that the driver was fatigued and dosed off making him losing control.
Interventions
- Enforcement
Operations on the following;-
- Boda-bodas especially those without reflective jackets and helmets
- All those without valid licenses i.e out of class expired and those without at all.
- Illegal sirens, roof lights, modified lights and violation of one-way rules
- Speeding
- Road safety sensitization to promote behavioural change continue
During this week, there are a number of activities that are likely to affect the normal flow of traffic across the country. These include the processions of the pilgrims to Namugongo and children going back to school.
The Directorate of Traffic & Road Safety therefore reminds all road users of the following road safety tips
For Pedestrians.
- Be visible by wearing bright or reflective clothing to make yourself visible to drivers.
- Follow traffic rules by obeying traffic signals, pedestrians’ signs and markings where they are available.
- Use designated crossing points, zebra crossing where they are available
- Look left, right and left again before crossing a road, check for traffic in both directions before you cross.
- Avoid distractions; put away your phone and avoid listening to music while, texting while walking on the road.
- Stay alert, be aware of your surroundings and watch out for potential hazards.
- Use pedestrians’ paths; use designated pedestrian paths and sidewalks where available
- Be cautious at night; be extra careful when walking at night, as visibility is reduced.
- Let’s teach our children road safety rules and hold their hands when crossing roads.
For pilgrims;
- We encourage the pilgrims to move in teams or groups for easy monitoring, these groups will be led by the traffic officers who will be handing them over to next traffic officers in their command.
- Groups of pilgrims should keep the left side of the road. Use the footpaths if there is one. Persons wearing bright or light colored clothing preferably a high-visibility jacket with reflective strips should be positioned at the front and back of the group to watch out for traffic.
- We also encourage well wishers to give to them reflectors to enable them be visible to motorists especially in the night.
For motorists;
- Observe the speed limits
- Be on the lookout for pedestrians who can suddenly appear on the road from nowhere.
- Avoid distractions; don’t let phones, radio, etc distract you from your job as a driver.
- Follow traffic rules; always follow traffic rules, signs and signals and be considerate to other road users.
- Stay alert; always be aware of your surroundings and the behavior of other motorists.
- Ensure you have your driving or riding license
- Never drink and drive
- Avoid loading excess passengers/pillion riding
- Be sure of the condition of your motor vehicle before you put on the road.
- Wear your crash helmet
- Be visible by wearing reflective jacket to make yourself visible to other road users.
- Exercise the utmost discipline and patience on the road.
