Commercial vehicles to face stringent rules

Members of National Transport Safety Authority and teachers from various schools during a consultative meeting on road safety at Wareng High School in Eldoret Uasin Gishu County over the weekend. January 27,2025. [Peter Ochieng, Standard] The National Transport Safety Authority (NTSA) has introduced draft regulations aimed at enhancing the safety and efficiency of commercial service vehicles. These rules, which are pending approval by the National Assembly, seek to address long-standing concerns about road safety, compliance, and vehicle maintenance. Commercial vehicles in Kenya-ranging from buses and vans ferrying passengers to trucks transporting goods-form the backbone of industries like public transportation, logistics, and construction. However, the risks they pose when operating below safety standards have been a growing concern. Under the 2025 regulations, every commercial service vehicle will be required to meet several essential criteria. At the most basic level, they must have third-party insurance and a valid vehicle inspection certificate, ensuring that no vehicle is on the road without passing critical checks. But that's only the beginning. To reduce road accidents caused by speeding, the NTSA has mandated the installation of speed limiters in commercial vehicles. These devices must conform to the standards set by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), a move intended to curb reckless driving and ensure safer travel for passengers and other road users. In a bid to modernize the industry, the NTSA has introduced a requirement for vehicular telematic systems. These advanced systems, which monitor vehicle performance and driver behavior, promise to improve accountability and efficiency in fleet management. For owners of buses and trucks, this could mean real-time tracking and data-driven decision-making to reduce operational costs and risks. Accidents involving commercial vehicles often stem from poor visibility. To address this, the NTSA regulations call for retro-reflective contour markings at least two inches wide. These markings, especially vital for nighttime driving, will help other road users spot heavy vehicles from a distance, potentially preventing fatal collisions. The new regulations require commercial vehicles to carry a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit, both maintained in good condition and accessible at all times. This simple yet impactful measure could save lives in critical moments. One of the standout features of the proposed rules is the introduction of underride protection devices on the rear and sides of commercial vehicles where applicable. These devices aim to prevent smaller vehicles from sliding underneath larger trucks in the event of a collision, a scenario that often results in severe injuries or fatalities. While the proposed regulations prioritize safety, they also come with financial implications for vehicle owners. Installing speed limiters, telematic systems, and other safety features will require significant investment, raising questions about the readiness of small-scale operators to comply. Last week, NTSA announced a series of proposed regulations aimed at improving the safety of children as they board and alight from school buses. These measures, outlined in the Draft Traffic (School Transport) Rules 2024, are designed to address the unique risks associated with school transportation. Among the standout proposals is the introduction of crossing guards stationed at designated locations. These guards will be responsible for managing and directing traffic, ensuring the safety of students at pedestrian crossings and school zones during pick-up and drop-off hours. Recognizing the dangers children face during these times, the NTSA also recommends that school buses have vehicle attendants onboard. These attendants would assist children as they board and disembark, providing an additional layer of supervision. To further protect children, school buses longer than 30 feet will be required to have a reflectorized red "stop signal arm" installed at the front and rear. This device, which extends outward when students are boarding or alighting, signals other motorists to stop. Drivers must remain stationary until the arm retracts and the warning lights cease flashing. "Pick-up and drop-off hours within school zones can be very dangerous for children, and measures must be taken to safeguard their safety," the NTSA emphasized. Failure to comply with the "stop signal arm" rules would be considered a serious offense under the proposed regulations. Motorists found guilty could face suspension of their driving licenses for at least six months. Other proposed safety enhancements include equipping all school buses with a fire extinguisher that meets applicable safety standards and is easily accessible. The NTSA also mandates the installation of vehicular telematics systems, complete with passenger-facing cameras, to improve monitoring and ensure adherence to safety protocols. Additionally, all school buses will be required to prominently display the words "SCHOOL BUS" on both the front and rear of the vehicle, ensuring clear identification.

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