Increased road carnage during festive season to keep traffic police busy
As the world gears up into the festive season, the traffic police,here in Uganda, has on several times encountered increased road carnage whenever people travel to different destinations to celebrate Christmas festivities
As the world gears up into the festive season, the traffic police,here in Uganda, has on several times encountered increased road carnage whenever people travel to different destinations to celebrate Christmas festivities.
In an exclusive engagement with Charmar Nnews, Traffic Police Spokesperson Faridah Nampiima revealed that many drivers are usually overzealous during the festive season, hence breaking traffic rules. She hence warned against flouting traffic guidelines,to prevent the loss of lives due to road carnage.
Records from the Police’s traffic directorate show most road crashes in Uganda happen in December, where most people are often travelling to their home villages, to celebrate Christmas holidays and festivities with their relatives.
Speaking to this platform, Nampiima revealed that over speeding and reckless driving is most attributed to the road accidents that happen in the country, hence road users should be extra careful ahead of the Christmas season.
“It still goes back to reckless driving, and that’s why I told you we should change our altitude and behavior when we are on those roads, so that we reduce these crashes. Some crashes were caused because people don’t rest,” she noted.
The season which is also characterized with increased movement of goods and persons, usually leads to traffic along the roads in Uganda. However, Nampiima said they have set up guidelines to be followed by motorists, so as to avoid congestion and traffic along the roads moving in and out of Kampala.
Nampiima emphasized that with the return of check points, the have also reinstated the Fika Salama campaign, to check errant drivers ahead of the festive season.
She warned motorists against over speeding and other traffic violations that may lead to road carnage, noting that violators will be arrested and some issued EPS tickets.
“We are to strengthen the Fika Salama operations, these fika salam check points are back on the roads. So, expect to be stopped at a check point any time and respect the officers at that check point. When they stop you please, comply with the requirements,” she added.
On several occasions Traffic police has complained about boda boda riders misbehaving along the roads. Nampiima says they are to ensure that all riders continue using reflector jackets, and those who fail will be handled according to the law.
Addressing Journalists on current road carnages and guidelines for the festive season, the Minister of works and transport Gen. Katumba Wamala highlighted that CCTV cameras will be used to curb wrong doers, and police will capture fingerprints of all drivers who get involved in accidents.
Last Year, At least 58 people lost lives in accidents recorded during the Christmas holiday, according to records released by the Traffic and Road Safety Directorate. Altogether, 248 people were involved in accidents recorded between December 23 and boxing day, December 26.
