NAIROBI, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- The Kenyan Police and National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) on Thursday raised alarm over the increasing deaths associated with road accidents in the country this year.
In a joint statement, the two agencies revealed that road carnage has claimed 3,396 people since January.
"73.4 percent of reported fatalities are among vulnerable road users such as motorcyclists, pillion passengers and pedestrians, "said the statement.
The agencies noted that the total number so far marks an increase of 13.4 percent compared to the same period last year.
A total of 2,994 people died last year at the same time while this year, 3,396, mostly pedestrians have so far perished due to road accidents.
Pedestrians numbering 1,318 have so far died to date while last year, at the same time, 1,142 people died.
The statement called on Kenyans to strictly adhere to the traffic laws and the use of designated crossing points such as zebra crossings and foot-bridges to help reduce fatalities.
Hillary Mutyambai, Inspector General of Police said that road safety data show that 98 percent of crashes are attributed to human behavior such as loss of control due to high speed, lane indiscipline, overloading and dangerous overtaking.
"You need to be extra careful since the festive season is taking place at a time when the country has experienced heavy rainfall that has left most roads in bad shape especially black spot zones," said Mutyambai.
He said that traffic police will ensure that all drivers and passengers comply with the requirements of the regulations and abide by traffic laws.
The two agencies promised to intensify road safety public education campaigns and put in place evidence-based enforcement interventions.
They revealed that cases of motorists driving through flooded roads are common and cautioned drivers not to underestimate the speed and depth of the water to avoid fatal crashes.
They told passengers traveling in public transport to speak out against dangerous reckless driving during this festive season.
"We also urge members of the public to report incidences on the road to the Police hotline or through the free NTSA Mobile Application," said the joint statement from police and NTSA.
