Ways to reduce accidents on roads

SIR—As we mark the road safety week, I have some ideas on the problem of accidents in Uganda. Most of these accidents are caused by indisciplined drivers, bad roads which have potholes, lack of traffic signs, lack of road markings, corruption in issuing of driving permits, illiterate drivers who cannot interpret the road signs and DMC (dangerous mechanical condition) vehicles. For example, along Jinja Road at Mukono, a huge hump has been placed without a sign and we have occasionally hit it. There is another one along Makerere Hill Road without any warning; you just bump into it. Potholes are everywhere, making life difficult for the drivers as they dodge the potholes and swerve, sometimes rolling over. A case in point is the tragic accident in Iganga due to potholes. Traffic jams in Kampala are due to poor planning and indiciplined drivers mainly the taxi drivers. The traffic police are not tough, leaving the taxi drivers to behave like animals. Along Kyaggwe Road near Hotel Equatoria, the traffic can be reduced by changing the priorities. Ensure that no left turn or right turn at the junction going to Kisekka Market and Buganda Bus Park. Let the concerned authorities try out this arrangement. David Bizimana Kampala SIR— Who can save us from these deadly buses? The number of accidents on the Mbarara-Kampala road caused by buses is high. Just the other day, my sister was pushed off the road by two buses trying to overtake each other and it is a miracle that she lives; others have not been so lucky. Last March, a family of five was killed by a bus at Katende. Many accidents have taken place on these roads caused by buses. I appeal to the works, transport and communication minister to work hand-in-hand with the Police and put an end to this nuisance before more lives are claimed. This time of the year the drivers of these buses get even more crazy. I have heard that there were things called governors in the past which limited the speed at which a vehicle could travel. Can the minister implement such or better measures. Jacqueline B. Lutaaya, Kampala