The National Transport and Safety Authority has warned PSV operators against tampering with speed governors.
NTSA’s director for road safety Njeri Waithaka told the Star on Friday that most PSVs violate the speed limit.
“There is a reason there is a speed limit of 80. But most matatu crew are violating that speed limit by tampering with the speed governor,” Njeri explained.
The authority also cautioned PSVs not to overtake at night as the risk is higher at that time. “Don’t overtake when you can’t clearly see, at a bend or when the line is solid and is clearly telling you not to overtake,” she said.
PSV operators have also been advised to prioritise safety and discipline on the roads. “When accidents happen, lives are lost while others survive with life-changing injuries,” the official said.
improvement on roads
The authority has recorded a reduction in road fatalities in its latest statistics.
Last month, 184 fatalities were recorded, an improvement compared to last year’s 212. Slight injuries were 254, while serious injuries were 330.
Pedestrians remain the most vulnerable road users; 72 died in road crashes this month. This is slightly lower compared to those dying in the same month last year.
Motorcyclists came in second with 44 deaths compared to last year’s 46.
Thirty-seven passengers died, followed by 18 drivers, 12 pillion passengers and one cyclist.
NTSA has commended PSVs on compliance since return of Michuki rules last November.
According to the NTSA, privately owned vehicles are the first-risk vehicles on the roads, followed by commercial vehicles. Therefore, the authority has found it necessary to introduce the commercial vehicle regulations.
Boda bodas come third, followed byPSVs. The authority as put in place regulations to encourage boda boda operators to form associations.
