NTSA Urges Drivers to be Cautious amid Heavy Rains

 

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) is urging motorists to exercise caution and responsibility when driving during the wet weather to avoid potential accidents.

According to the authority, the heavy rains in most parts of the country create potentially hazardous conditions for road users.


In a statement issued Wednesday evening, NTSA Road Safety Manager and Head of Strategies Samuel Musumba urged motorists to avoid driving on flooded roads.

“As the country continues to experience very extreme weather events, a lot of rains are pounding several parts of the country during which we are experiencing so many challenges including damage to our roads, bridges and other infrastructure posing serious hazards to our drivers and increasing the risk of road traffic crashes and incidences. We are deeply concerned about the safety of our roads during this period, everybody; motorists, pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists seem to be at a very high risk on our roadways,” he said.

The authority also advised drivers to reduce speed to navigate these slippery surfaces effectively, minimizing the risk of losing control.

“We therefore implore our drivers to adhere to the following safety guidelines at all times. Reduce speed, increase your following distance to mitigate against rear-end collisions, and ensure your headlights are on even during the daytime to improve visibility for yourself and other road users,” he said.

As of Tuesday, heavy rains across Kenya have so far killed at least 38 people, displaced more than 11,000 and forced hundreds from their homes in recent days, data from the Kenya Red Cross Society showed.

It added that over 188 people have been rescued since the start of March-May rains, with 27,716 acres submerged, 4,824 livestock lost, and 23 counties affected.

The Kenya Meteorological Department has said that the rains would continue in various parts of the country over the next seven days.

“Flooding is expected in low-lying areas, flood plains and urban areas with poor drainage,” said David Gikungu, director of the meteorological department.

Landslides could also occur on steep slopes where the soil is saturated, he added.

Gikungu has advised road users to be extra cautious as visibility is likely to be reduced during heavy rainfall.