Rwanda National Police

Police in Huye have enlightened about 500 commercial motorcyclists operating in the district on road safety standards.

The outreach exercise conducted on October 3, is part of the efforts to prevent fatalities on roads largely caused or involving motorcyclists. About 70 percent of road fatalities are either caused or involve commercial motorcyclists, according to the Police report.

While addressing the motorcyclists organized under two cooperatives; COTAMOHU and CIM, the District Police Commander of Huye, Senior Supt. Burahinda Ntacyo reminded them to respect traffic rules and regulations.

He identified over speeding, reckless maneuvers, over-taking in sharp and deadly spots, and failure to wear helmets as some of the traffic offenses that result into serious injuries and loss of lives.

“Some commercial motorcyclists have no driver’s license or have no transport authorization as a prerequisite, while others operate overtime or under the influence of alcohol or drugs,” he observed.

He also urged them to fight crimes especially drug trafficking and abuse. “Drugs like cannabis and other illicit substances are in most cases transported on motorcycles, which makes both the owner of the drugs and you the transporter criminals,” he said, urging them to report people who traffic and sell drugs.