By Corporate watch
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has vowed to take action following a video circulating online of a 14-seater matatu being driven recklessly in the streets of Nairobi.
In the video, the Matatu was being driven in the middle of the road as it kept on swerving and its passengers were cheering on while blowing whistles.
The road safety authority condemned the act as unacceptable adding that it poses grave danger to passengers.
“In a split second, a catastrophic incident could occur as a result of such behavior. The driver risked his life, that of his passengers, and other road users. Passengers cheering on reckless drivers endanger their own lives.” NTSA said in a statement.
NTSA has therefore noted that they will take appropriate action on the matatu’s crew as a probe begins.
Previously, the road authority took action against Public Service Vehicles (PSVs) found flouting regulations and endangering passengers’ lives.
The crackdown uncovered several violations, exposing the alarming disregard for safety protocols by certain PSV operators.
Among the infractions discovered, was the discovery of a PSV operated by a driver with an expired driver’s license and lacking the essential PSV badge.
Last week, the authority suspended the license of Bungoma Line Safaris and Smart Highways with the decision stemming from their failure to adhere to speed regulations mandated by law.
They added that the suspension was prompted by the non-compliance of the two companies with Section 5 of the NTSA (Operation of PSV) Regulations, 2014, and the analysis of speed data violations collected through the NTSA Intelligent Road Safety Management System (IRSMS).
Read also:- https://corporatewatch.co.ke/ntsa-and-nps-join-forces-to-enforce-traffic-regulations/
The NTSA instructed both companies to present their vehicles for compliance inspection to ensure they meet roadworthiness standards and verify the functionality of installed speed limiters.
Bungoma Line Safari Ltd must present 162 vehicles, while Smart Highways Sacco Ltd will present 29 vehicles for compliance inspection.
Additionally, both companies must subject their drivers to road safety training before resuming operations.
Bungoma Line Safari Ltd will have 14 drivers retested by NTSA, while Smart Highways Sacco Ltd will have two drivers retested.
NTSA also requested the National Police Service (NPS) to impound any vehicles operating in defiance of the suspension.
