The
new traffic penalties may not restore sanity on our roads.
It
is indeed unfortunate to see innocent commuters perish on the roads simply
because of our drivers’ negligence of simple safety traffic regulations.
If
anyone would bother to wind back the clock 12 years ago, a picture of the late
John Michuki’s traffic regulations would clearly resurface. Traffic madness, to
a large extent, reduced significantly compared to the prior cases although some
cartels eventually messed it up.
The
miscarriage of Michuki rules’ was largely linked to individualistic interests.
And
the new National Transport and Safety Authority measures could also be
frustrated. If a driver, for example, is found to be operating a vehicle
without a valid driving licence, the rules spell a fine of Sh1, 000. Is one
pays that penalty, he/she can just proceed on with the journey, come back
tomorrow again to the same spot, pay the amount, drive on and make it a habit.
If
the Government will capitalize on these measures to generate revenue at the
expense of what it is not intended for, (sanity on our roads), then no doubt we
are yet to witness a downward spiral that led to death of “Michuki rules”.