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Musumba noted that there is increased travel at this time due to the Christmas festivities.
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He said the increased demand for transport presents a challenge to road safety.
Image: FILE
The National Transport and Safety Authority has cautioned passengers over boarding matatus not licensed as Public Service Vehicles which are likely to be operating long distances as the festive season sets in.
NTSA Road Safety Manager Samuel Musumba said the authority will launch a nationwide operation alongside the National Police Service to ensure that all PSV operators are compliant with the regulations.
"Members of the public are cautioned not to board vehicles not licensed as PSV. Those vehicles are operating illegally," he said.
Musumba noted that there is increased travel at this time due to the Christmas festivities.
He said the increased demand for transport presents a challenge to road safety.
Musumba said the increase in demand may cause some matatu operators to take advantage and end up carrying excess passengers.
He said some of them may also start operating on routes they are not licensed to.
"We also take note of the influx of unlicensed vehicles also coming in to offer PSV services here and there. Coming in of unlicensed road-worthy vehicles and also making their way on the route," he said.
Further, he said there are also cases of drinking and driving this festive season.
"In a bid to make more trips, there is also a possibility that some drivers will be overspeeding," he said.
Musumba said drivers' behaviour may threaten the safety of other road users.
He said passengers should be more careful and aware as they choose the mode of transport to use.
"Whichever form of transport you choose to use, you must be very very careful," Musumba said.
He also urged passengers not to board vehicles already full in capacity.
"Do not be that excess passenger. All passengers should also belt up throughout the journey," Musumba said.
Musumba also urged passengers to report or call out any incident they witness that they feel could endanger their lives.
"Any incidence you notice please report. Incidences of drunk driving, reckless driving, report to us or the National Police Service," he said.
He also urged those travelling with children to be extra careful.
Pedestrians are urged not to walk on the roads while drunk, and to cross the road from the right point.
"Avoid distracted walking where you have earphones or you are picking up a call. Be keen on the road," he said.