Police must strictly enforce traffic rules

Aug 18, 2008

Last week, the Police impounded over 400 boda boda motorcycles in pursuit of errant riders in Kampala. Those arrested included riders who did not have helmets, licences or ignored traffic lights. This is a most welcome move given the behaviour of the cyclists.

Last week, the Police impounded over 400 boda boda motorcycles in pursuit of errant riders in Kampala. Those arrested included riders who did not have helmets, licences or ignored traffic lights. This is a most welcome move given the behaviour of the cyclists.

As the traffic and safety commissioner, Steven Kasiima, has observed, boda boda riders have become a nuisance and are responsible for about 50% of the accidents in town. However, the Police need to be more vigilant.

Bringing traffic madness to an end will require more than arresting riders without helmets because this is not the worst evil associated with boda bodas. Too often, cyclists break the law under the very noses of traffic officers and get away with it. This is because the officers are always preoccupied with cars and taxis. It is ‘normal’ for cyclists to overtake from the left, ride the wrong way and fly through the red light. They not only overload their bikes but also squeeze through any available space between vehicles or buildings, causing accidents. However, it is not the lack of helmets that has caused the deaths or injuries of so many people but the indiscipline, disrespect and ignorance of traffic rules on the part of the riders.

Police intervention must not focus on helping people have safe crashes or falls, but rather prevention of the accidents caused by reckless behaviour. Non-commercial cyclists are more disciplined and hence cause fewer accidents.

Helmets cannot help prevent accidents caused by riding on the wrong side of the road. Besides, the Police need to think seriously about the implications of sharing helmets. The Police must concentrate on enforcing the traffic regulations with the same zeal they exhibit when dealing with motorists and the exercise should be countywide and not confined to Kampala. This is because almost all boda boda riders behave the same way.

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