English
Kinyarwanda
Motorcycle taxi operators in Kamonyi District have pledged to partner with Rwanda National Police (RNP) in ensuring road safety and adherence to traffic rules and regulations.
The commitment was made during a meeting held on October 13, where over 200 commercial motorcyclists in the district met with police officers and local leaders in a bid to foster partnership in curbing accidents caused by recklessness.
During the meeting, the District Police Commander (DPC) of Kamonyi, Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Marcel Kalisa, noted that commercial motorcyclists need to give priority to their safety and that of their passengers, by observing traffic laws at all times.
“Some motorcyclists don’t stop when they are asked; instead they speed off and become a danger to other road users. In order to avoid danger, always cooperate with officers and ride carefully well knowing that the life of your passenger depends on your carefulness,” he noted.
He further added that that riders need to be aware that speed, alcohol, drugs and fatigue can all increase the risk of having a crash, and asked them to share tips with each other on how to collectively foster road safety.
“Being distracted or under the intoxication of drugs increases your chances of having a crash. Riding requires utmost attention – and anything that takes your mind or eyes off the road, not only compromises your safety, but that of everyone else on the road,” CIP Kalisa said.
Jean Claude Musengimana, who spoke on behalf of the commercial motorcyclists, stated that road safety is at the top of their association’s agenda, and commended RNP for sensitizing motorcyclists across the country against dangers like drug abuse, over speeding and riding without proper documents.
“Some motorcyclists ride at a high speed and have no time to react to unexpected hazards; these individuals and those who drive without proper documents are the ones who increase the risk of a crash. We need to respect our profession by always adhering to traffic regulations,” he said.
His colleague, Claude Uwitonze, assured partnership with police, adding that motorcyclists will be the “eyes” of their community by reporting suspicious individuals who exploit services of commercial motorcyclists to transport stolen equipment and those who traffic drugs.
