Am still boiling with anger over the weekend’s Gilgil accident. Human lives have just become some statistics courtesy of our reckless drivers and hungry policemen. As we speak, anyone who did not lose a relative or friend has moved on, until we hear of another accident where some statistics will be tossed around. Just thinking, is it possible for the KTalk family to develop some action points on how to tame the recklessness and dont-care attitude by our PSV drivers? And even more importantly, can we push for these actions to be implemented by the responsible organs? I believe KTalk has the best brains (ok, wazua may beat us), we have people from all walks of life, and I suspect there must be some way of reaching the highest offices of the land through this forum. I am a strong believer that an online community can push an agenda and be listened to.
So, let us debate.
[ol]
[li]First, what is the main problem with our drivers? Is it lack of training? Is it attitude? Is it the nature of the business that makes them the way they are? Is it possible to run PSV business professionally? (Siku hizi naona ata kina easy coach wameanza behaving like their Umoinner counterparts).[/li][li]Second, it is obvious that the NTSA and other responsible organs have failed in their job. What is wrong with them? Structure? Limited powers? Demotivation? lack of accountability structures? [/li][li]Thirdly, what is the role of UhuRuto in all this (besides sending messages of condolence, blah blah blah)? As the CEO of Kenya Inc, they surely have some role to play in road safety.[/li][li]Fourthly, what is the role of passengers? (Guka at some point blamed them for accepting to be packed into a ramshackle to take them to Busia at midnight). What is the responsibility of the passenger as concerns THEIR road safety?[/li][li]And finally, what can be done? Specifically, what can KTalkers do? Can we formulate a set of actions that would make our roads safer? Can we push these actions to be implemented?[/li][/ol]
It was almost unanimously agreed that most passengers fear raising their voices when in matatus for whatever reason. And no, hapo we also cannot blame the govt wholly. @Deorro alikuwa anasema hapa vile watu wanajaza mtatu because they like them or prefer them, disregarding their safety. Akachongolewa as is usual here. That doesn’t mean that the govt cannot be blamed. But when are we going to stand up for ourselves really ?
In my opinion, the best way is to refuse to board a full matatu. Wait for the next. If the company that you booked is not offering its own services, skip and go to the next after asking for a refund. Or you can postpone the safari. Si lazima. mtu kupoteza sister watatu ajali moja sio jokes.
Can we learn from other countries, especially outside Africa? The few African countries I have visited have the same (if not worse) problems. Or do we resign to fate and say it is an African thing?
The only solution here is to value your own life…talk out when the situation gets to life threatening levels, or has any indications of such!..or just simply move out their way
1.The matatu(I refuse to call it a bus) was on the wrong route. No, it was on a route not at all covered in its license. It’s a town service vehicle not allowed for long distance travel.
2.Reportedly, it had been kicked out of the Superhighway sacco but continued to operate anyway.
3.Reports indicate there was a heated argument before the drivers could decide who will undertake the journey meaning it wasn’t being driven by a regular driver as demanded by the Michuki rules.
4.It passed many police roadblocks and possibly others manned by NTSA but continued on its journey unbothered.
From the above, Kenyans don’t die on the road due to lack of rules and regulations but due to a dismal almost criminal failure to enforce them.
Which was the basis of my 1st comment.
This one should be preached to pedestrians too. Sometimes ukiwa barabarani you realize people do not exactly value their lives. Some look like they have a death wish. Kungangania baro na gari ndio zao!
The system/s wont change the only thing you can do is minimize chances of getting into an accident as a passenger or driver.
Avoid travelling at night at all costs! I rarely do, even when driving avoid night time travel unless its 100% unavoidable. Most accidents occuer at night or early morning the evil loves darkness!
2.On highways drive below 80 KM/H a slower vehicle is easier to control, do not overtake blindly Zile za you overtake without seeing the road ahead of you which I believe is the cause of 90% of our accidents, I see it all the time @Meria Mata can confirm a saloon car following a truck blindly on the highway when overtaking or following several vehicles as they overtake.
When using public buses book the near to back seats, the passengers who survive most accidents are the ones who are normally seated last seats on the bus and on the isle, that is avoid seat windows as well. The VIP seats behind the driver are most comfortable but with a head on uta kufa kwanza!
Unless its emergency plan long distance trips mapema, you get to choose seats and ‘safe’ time of travel.
Have a personal accident cover!
Resepect even fear the Big Trucks, Most have over 30 tons, + body weight that’s near 40 Tons! Your 300 kgs Vits wont stand a chance also, have respect for bigger vehicles, Buses,
I’ve witnessed passengers demand to alight because they considered 80kph too slow, instead opting for competitors breaching this rule. The competitors are said to ‘incentivize’ NTSA to look the other way.
How about we first get a disciplined matatu crew.With a disciplined ,trained and crew that respect rule of law, we would not hear of Overloaded,loud,overlapping and overcharging matatus.But if we get that traffic police will come between them and the smooth running of business probably penalising them for no wrong done(simply becuase they aint parting with a bribe)
If the two areas are worked on I bet transport sector will be well.This may apply to all other modes of transport