Most motorcycle accidents are caused by riders who do not have licences, an official has said.
According to Ann Ngina, from the National Transport Safety Authority (NTSA), unlicensed riders continually endanger the lives of unsuspecting passengers.
Speaking during a road safety awareness programme held in Nakuru where hundreds of motorcycle riders turned up, Ngina said that educating the riders would save lives that are lost through careless mistakes. She asked them not to ignore regulations as strict measures will be taken against offenders who are arrested.
“We are working hand in hand with the county traffic officials to ensure that the riders have valid road service licenses,” the officer said.
“NTSA is carrying out the awareness programme in all the counties in the country to reduce fatalities.”
Nakuru base traffic commander Joseph Mwangi addressed various ways and means to reduce accidents. He underscored the importance of complying with traffic rules, saying that motorcycle riders are the biggest traffic offenders causing most accidents in the county.
He urged the riders to be cautious and avoid obstructing and overlapping other vehicles as it is against the traffic rules. Mwangi also emphasised the importance of joining Saccos as it reduces the danger of organised groups who turn out to be criminals.
“Joining Saccos shows organisation. It will help monitor rogue riders in the county and reduce crime rate. Through Sacco records, the police can easily trace suspects who flout traffic regulations,” he said.
Among the issues addressed were use of indicators, overlapping, use of reflector jackets for both riders and the importance of having necessary documents.