Rwanda National Police

Using a mobile phone while driving is a violation of traffic rules and regulations, and one of the major causes of road accidents and loss of lives.

Over the years, Rwanda National Police (RNP) has conducted road safety awareness campaigns to influence behavioral change and ensure road security.

Preventing use of mobile phone while driving to save lives has been part of these campaigns.

Statistics from the department of Traffic and Road Safety indicates that out of 12 fatal accidents recorded since the beginning of this week, 6 of them were caused by drivers, who were distracted by their handset.

This, according to Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Rene Irere, the spokesperson for the department of Traffic and Road Safety, has prompted operations to fight this reckless and life-threatening behavior of some motorists.

"In operations conducted between Monday and Thursday alone, across the country, 970 drivers were caught using a phone while driving. These operations are continuous," said SSP Irere.

At least 877 drivers were caught in Kigali, 29 in Eastern Province, 21 in Southern, 28 in Western and 15 in the Northern Province.

"The perception that using hands-free phone while driving is safe is misleading, prohibited and equally a death trap.

This is avoidable. Do not use a phone at all while driving. It's a distraction and dangerous to any driver, passengers on board and other road users. Keep your focus on the road, do not use a phone," SSP Irere advised.