NTSA Reveals 8 Safety Measures To Motorists Driving In Rainy Weather
NTSA also revealed to road users that after the recent dry weather there is an accumulation of dirt, soil, and oil deposits.
Marvin Chege 
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) issued eight cautionary measures to motorists amidst the heavy rains experienced in most parts of the country creating potentially dangerous conditions for road users.
In a statement, the Authority emphasized the need for extra caution, urging the public to be extra vigilant, courteous, and mindful of safety measures, particularly with the increased rainfall.
NTSA also revealed to road users that after the recent dry weather there is an accumulation of dirt, soil, and oil deposits.
"We advise motorists to reduce their speed since these deposits lead to the formation of slippery surfaces making stopping more difficult thus raising the possibility of losing control," the statement read in part.
An image of a foggy Nairobi-Nakuru Highway. /FILE
The Authority further took note of cases of motorists driving through flash floods, flooded roads, and flooded riverbeds.
"We appeal to motorists to desist from the urge while at the same time pleading with passengers to take responsibility for their own safety, speak out and stop the driver," added the authority.
Other cautionary measures to take include;
- Removal of stalled vehicles as soon as possible
- Keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead
- Always turn on the headlights to increase visibility
- Be aware that brakes can be affected by water. After going through water, drive slowly, this helps dry the brakes.
- Always keep both hands on the steering wheel to enable full control
- Check tyres and replace them if they are worn out
- Pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists are advised to wear bright clothing or reflector vests
The NTSA reaffirmed its commitment to road safety and announced that NTSA and National Police Service (NPS) officers would conduct road safety compliance checks on major highways.
These checks would include monitoring speed, verifying the validity of NTSA documentation and licenses, conducting random drunk driving tests, and cracking down on overloaded vehicles and illegal public service vehicles (PSVs).
The NTSA urged all road users to adhere to safety guidelines and cooperate with law enforcement officers to ensure safer roads for everyone.
The statement came hours after two people were reported dead on Saturday, April 6 following an accident whereby a 62-seater bus they were travelling in hit a fuel tanker along the Muguga area in Kikuyu, Kiambu County.
Kikuyu Police Commander Ronald Kirui revealed that 10 others were seriously injured and rushed to nearby hospitals in critical condition.
The incident, which happened around 5:30 am, involved the bus ramming into the fuel tanker that had stalled on the road. The bus headed to Nairobi from Nakuru at the time, lost control and hit the fuel tanker from behind.
The bodies of the deceased were transferred to the P.C.E.A Thogoto Hospital mortuary, and some of the casualties received treatment at the same hospital.
Police attributed the accident to the slippery roads from the ongoing heavy rains. However, investigations have since been launched to ascertain details leading to the incident.
