English
Kinyarwanda
Rwanda National Police (RNP) has reminded road users to respect traffic rules at all times in order to avoid careless and fatal road accidents.
The message follows three accidents that happened on August 28, in separate locations in Gasabo, Rusizi and Nyarugenge districts.
The accidents claimed three lives and injured two people, who were immediately rushed to hospital for medical care.
In Nyarugenge, a minibus rammed into a cyclist killing him on spot while in Kayonza, a Toyota Helix veered off the road and crushed, claiming three lives and injuring others.
In Musanze, a Benz also veered off the road and knocked down a cyclist, who survived with serious injuries.
The Traffic and Road Safety Department spokesperson, Superintendent of Police (SP) JMV Ndushabandi noted that these accidents were caused by careless driving and could have been avoided if the drivers had respected all traffic rules and remain focused.
“Most of these road accidents are avoidable if traffic rules are strictly adhered to by road users including pedestrians, passengers, motorists and cyclists. Many accidents and driving mistakes are due to bad driving habits such as driving while distracted, driving carelessly, driving aggressively and failing to inspect vehicles for mechanical problems,” he said.
“Driving or cycling requires a person’s complete attention, yet many drivers are distracted by things such as eating, talking or texting on cell phones. People who are more observant are more likely to be focused while driving and thus avoid accidents.”
He warned that the consequences of such actions result in arrests or heavy traffic fines, loss of driver’s license, while on the civil action side, a careless driver may face a lawsuit that involves compensating victims.
He further noted that every vehicle owner should ensure that they conduct an inspection before their vehicle is used, so that they are deemed worthy of being driven on roads.
