Rwanda National Police

Drivers in Musanze District have been called upon to respect traffic rules and regulations to prevent fatalities that arise out of inappropriate use of roads.

While addressing over 100 drivers and passengers in Musanze bus terminal on Thursday, Senior Supt. Jean Luis Rurangwa said that majority accidents are caused by drivers, motorcyclists and passengers, who violate road safety standards.

“Accidents are avoidable, it requires every road user to use the road knowing that there are other people using it," SSP Rurangwa said.

Despite the decrease in accidents, he hinted on the inappropriate and deadly behaviours of over speeding, using a phone while driving, overtaking in shape corners or hotspots and failure to ensure regular mechanical inspections of automobiles as some of the causes of fatalities.

He also urged passengers to take part in preventing accidents by not allowing to be transported like commodities and report drivers that drive recklessly and putting their lives in danger.

SSP Rurangwa further urged them to join the campaign against crimes.

Drivers were particularly reminded against transporting illegal or smuggled goods, and narcotic drugs.

"The law is clear, if a driver is caught transporting smuggled goods, he or she will be fined $5000 and the vehicle will be impounded and auctioned," he said.

“While you are doing routine business, you need to be vigilant on the luggage you are carrying, and make a step further to report passengers suspected to be carrying smuggled or illegal goods,” SSP Rurangwa said.