Avoid Cruise Control, Use Brakes Early- NTSA To Motorists

NTSA revealed in a statement that the move was prompted by rains experienced in recent days across the country, which have made the road surfaces wet and skiddy.

Marvin Chege Marvin Chege
Jul 7, 2023 - 11:00 Updated: Jul 7, 2023 - 11:02
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Avoid Cruise Control, Use Brakes Early- NTSA To Motorists
A motorist driving in heavy rain along Thika Road. /FILE

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) on Friday, July 7 advised motorists to apply their brakes in advance and avoid using cruise control while driving along highways.

Cruise control allows you to maintain a set speed without using the accelerator. Once you've selected the speed, you can take your foot off the accelerator and the vehicle will cruise at that speed.

NTSA revealed in a statement that the move was prompted by rains experienced in recent days across the country, which have made the road surfaces wet and skiddy.

An image of a foggy Nairobi-Nakuru Highway. /FILE

The authority also warned motorists against instant braking on wet roads as this could lead to vehicles skidding and causing accidents that could lead to loss of life.

In addition, the authority took note of the presence of fog along commonly-used roads across the country which have the potential to hamper visibility.

"Take great caution during wet weather, reduce your speed and turn your fog lights on for visibility," stated NTSA in part.

NTSA also warned motorists against travelling in heavy rain as well as crossing running water, urging them to be alert while driving.

Drivers were further encouraged to use their wiper blades and slow down. For passengers, NTSA urged them to have their seat belts on at all times, just like drivers while driving along the roads.

NTSA's statement coincided with that of the weather forecast issued by the Kenya Meteorological Department which alerted Kenyans of rainfall to be experienced until the next week.

Areas targeted for the rainfall included Central Highlands, Rift Valley, and Western Kenya, with the rest of the country generally dry with instances of cold weather conditions.

In Nairobi, the minimum weather temperature is projected at 7 degrees with the highest put at 26 degrees. Friday, July 7 was projected to be the coldest.

"Rainfall is expected to continue over some parts of the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, the Coast and the Rift Valley. The rest of the country is likely to be generally dry.

"Occasional cold and cloudy conditions are expected over the Highlands East of the Rift Valley as well as over some parts of the South-eastern lowlands and the Highlands West of the Rift Valley," stated the weatherman in part.

Floods along Mombasa Road along Sultan Hamud Township on April 22, 2023. /NPS

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