NAIROBI, KENYA: The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has faulted the driver of the Nissan matatu which killed four passengers a long Busia-Kisumu highway on Tuesday.
In a reaction to two accidents witnessed on Tuesday involving heavy commercial vehicles, NTSA has asked drivers to be wary of potential risks such as, driving while impaired or fatigued and avoidance of road side stalling.
In a statement sent to newsrooms, NTSA's Director General Francis Mejahas said that the Tuesday accident which occurred at Rang'ala along Busia-kisumu highway was occasioned by the driver of the Public Service Vehicle following dangerous and careless overtaking that resulted to the collision.
"A part from the dangerous driving, the Public Service Vehicle did not have a Road Service License (RSL) contrary to the public service vehicle regulations. The Public Service Vehicle inspection sticker had expired," said the statement.
In the statement, NTSA also gave a report on the accident at Manyani along Mombasa Road near Voi where a fatal crash involving three heavy commercial vehicles led to the death of one driver whose truck burst into flames upon collision.
In both fatal crashes, the Authority noted the involvement of Heavy Commercial Vehicles.
The Authority has therefore put rogue drivers on notice stating that it will continue conducting day and night compliance checks on road safety to bring sanity on roads and save lives of innocent citizens.
"The Authority wishes to remind all Commercial Vehicle operators, Public Service Vehicles operators and indeed all motorists of their responsibility to carry out thorough and proper pre and post trip inspections to ensure their vehicles are in good operating condition," said Meja.
Further the Authority had revoked licenses of 22 drivers for contravening speeding, driving while intoxicated and night travel license guidelines.
"The Authority wish to state that drivers whose licenses have been revoked will no longer be allowed to drive public service vehicles. The affected public service vehicles, whose road service licenses have been revoked, will not be allowed to engage in any PSV business from now", added Meja.
He said that from now henceforth the Authority will publish the names of drivers who contravene the set road safety regulations for the benefit of the general public.
With many Kenyans embarking on road journeys during this December month, NTSA has called upon all drivers to be responsible and be extra careful while observing traffic rules over this festive period.
