President orders crackdown on motorists driving while drunk

By STEVE MKAWALE

President Kibaki has directed traffic police to take stiff action against motorists who use mobile phones while driving and those who drive under the influence of alcohol.

Addressing the nation from Nyayo National Stadium during the 49th Madaraka Day celebration, Kibaki said he was concerned that reckless driving has led to the rise in road carnage across the country.

“All drivers must obey the Highway Code at all times and avoid reckless and dangerous driving. In this regard, I am very concerned over the rampant use of mobile phones by drivers while driving. We must deal firmly with persons who drive under the influence of alcohol,” said President Kibaki.

The Head of State said the amended traffic regulations would soon be rolled out to combat reckless driving.

In the recent past, news of grisly roads accidents have dominated headlines, with the incident where 18 lives were lost in Kapenguria on Wednesday night after a bus veered off the road and landed in a ditch being the latest.

Following the string of road crashes, accusing fingers have been pointed at reckless drivers who speed oblivious of the dangers they are exposing their passengers to.

Yesterday, President Kibaki said the amended traffic regulations impose heavy penalties on traffic offenders.

“I am confident that they will deter motorists as well as pedestrians from disregarding the Highway Code,” said Kibaki.

According to the new regulations, a person who attempts to drive while under the influence of alcohol or drug shall be liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding ten years, or to a fine not exceeding Sh500,000, or both.

The law has abolished the Traffic Police Department and vests enforcement of traffic laws and regulations on all police officers.

The regulations also state that any person who causes the death of another by driving a motor vehicle on a road recklessly shall be imprisoned for life.