Put more emphasis on speed control

Jun 24, 2004

SIR— Much as I appreciate the Government’s effort to reduce road accidents, I feel some facts should have been considered before deciding on the details of enforcing the use of seat-belts.<br>

SIR— Much as I appreciate the Government’s effort to reduce road accidents, I feel some facts should have been considered before deciding on the details of enforcing the use of seat-belts.
The stock of vehicles in our country is so small considering our population. This implies that lorries and pick-up trucks are the main transport, especially in rural areas. This is also true of the UPDF and the Police, whose personnel depend 90% on lorries for transport. Some schools rely entirely on the same. So even if belts are fitted in PSVs, it will be difficult for the driver to enforce their continued use once the bus is in motion. This fact has been recognised even in those developed countries with strict and better enforcement laws.
My proposal therefore is that the transport ministry reviews the enforcement and limits compulsory use to the driver, co-driver and infants and the rest optional although each PSV should have the belts fitted and passengers advised on their use. Let more emphasis be placed in reducing of the speed of the PSV which has proved to be the main cause
of accidents.

Michael Mbaziira
Kampala

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