Transport

Pedestrian deaths remain top as road fatalities drop

boda boda accident

A motorbike rider involved in an accident on Ngong Road, Nairobi, on May 31, 2022. FILE PHOTO | NMG

The roads agency safety campaign has begun to pay off as the number of fatalities on Kenyan roads dropped by 4.6 percent this year.

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) data shows that as at March 20, the road carnage was 974 compared to 1,021 in a similar period in 2022.

NTSA cited increased public education and road safety awareness through a drive launched last year.

“The reduction in fatalities on Kenyan roads is also attributed to the Usalama Barabarani campaign supported by the European Union,” the agency said.

The NTSA data shows pedestrians continue to bear the brunt of road slaughter despite a drop of eight percent to 330 by March 20 compared to 359 who lost their lives by the same date last year.

The trend was the same among cyclists, as the number of people who died reduced from 289 to 265 during the same period in 2022.

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However, 154 drivers died during the period, a three percent increase from 95 who perished within the same period last year.

Similarly, the number of passengers who died rose 11 percent to 171 from 154.

“In the past, we have witnessed the unnecessary loss of lives due to poor driving judgments. We call upon drivers not to endanger their lives and that of their passengers as hydroplaning is a serious threat during the rainy season,” said NTSA.

Hydroplaning occurs when the vehicle’s tyres lose grip on the road surface and move on a film of water on the wet roads.

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NTSA called on road users to exercise caution and be mindful of others ahead of the Easter festivities.

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