What happened to speed governors' crusade?

By Katherine Nabuzale

Human resource is the most important tool there is for successful development without which, development ceases to exist. However, in Uganda a big percentage of this human capital perishes every day. Road accidents are among the leading causes of early death in the country.

This renders road transport a threat to life yet it is the most commonly available and used means of transportation. Other transport modes, for example railway transportation which is comparatively much safer are not fully developed. Road accident statistics are quiet alarming with the majority largely attributed to over speeding and reckless driving.

Most grisly road accidents have mainly involved vehicles especially buses and mini buses, plying long distance routes. These normally carry large numbers of passengers whose safety is solely in the hands of the driver. Such vehicles are often seen being driven like the driver is chasing after the wind forgetting that he is transporting valuable lives. 

A sustainable solution to control over speeding lies in the mandatory resumption of the use of speed limiters particularly in public transportation vehicles traveling long distances.  It should be mandatory that buses, taxis and trucks are installed with speed governors to control over speeding.

What is a speed governor or speed limiter?

This is a device that restricts the maximum speed of a vehicle to a preset limit. A speed governor also helps to ensure vehicle stability and keep the speed of the car below the speed rating of the tyres for safety purposes. Over speeding reduces a driver’s ability to steer safely around curves or objects in the roadway. As a consequence, drivers expose themselves to a number of dangers by exceeding speed limits. Driving at higher speeds induces major stress that results in driver fatigue and loss of concentration. Speeding makes it more difficult to react to changes, stop suddenly and control the vehicle and in case of a collision, the higher the speed the more severe the collision

Over speeding furthermore extends the distance necessary to stop a vehicle while increasing the distance that it travels as the driver reacts to a dangerous situation. The speed of a car plays a role in the severity of crashes, injuries and the incidence of fatalities in case of an accident.

There are environmental, safety and cost benefits from enforcing the use of speed governors or limiters. For instance, reducing the speed of a vehicle will result in lower fuel consumption that helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and saves money on fuel purchases. Additionally, the risk of collision is reduced when driving at slower speeds.

Roads and signage are designed for maximum driver safety if the posted speed limits are observed. Speed limits are set based on scientific calculations of human capabilities (visual perception, reaction time, shock resistance) and vehicle performance (braking, adherence, among others). Therefore, the safety of road users is at risk if the speed limit is exceeded.

In summary advantages of Speed Governors include:

•    Better road safety by avoiding over-speeding.
•    Preventive rather than reactionary.
•    Reduced strain on engines, thereby increasing their life-time.
•    Increased fuel efficiency.
•    Improved operational efficiency.
•    Reduced fuel consumption.
•    Reduced maintenance cost for the vehicle owner(s).
•    Reduced pollution thus improving the environment.

However, creating safety on the roads should go beyond controlling over speeding to address issues of laxity of the laws and rules. Tighten traffic rules and ensure that they are duly implemented and continually enforced. Scenarios of frequent bus accidents from the same company should be thoroughly investigated and if need be, the operating license revoked.

Put a ban on the importation of very old vehicles. These are just a nuisance on the roads Aside from being in dangerous mechanical condition; they are a hazard to  the environment and health.

Attention should also be put on protecting vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, motorcyclists and cyclists. This can be achieved by demarcating walk-ways and outlawing pedestrians off high ways. Banning cyclists from the central business district where traffic is so high.

Institute severe punishments against using mobile phones and earplugs while driving.

Reasonable, fair wages for commuter drivers. Many are more preoccupied with the number of trips a day than responsible driving.

Restoring belief in the safety of our roads requires diverse measures and joint effort from all road users.  Let’s leave no room for complacency if we are to see a downward trend in road deaths.