Taxi-moto operators in Kamonyi District have pledged to partner with Rwanda National Police (RNP) to ensure road safety and adherence to traffic rules and regulations. The commitment was made during a meeting held yesterday, where over 200 taxi-moto operators in the district met with police officers and local leaders to discuss ways of curbing accidents caused by recklessness on the road. During the meeting, the Kamonyi District Police Commander, CIP Marcel Kalisa, noted that taxi-moto operators need to give priority to their safety and that of their passengers by observing traffic laws. “Some riders refuse to stop when they are told to; instead, they speed off and endanger other road users. To avoid trouble, always cooperate with police officers and ride carefully, well knowing that the life of your passenger is in your hands,” he noted. Kalisa added that riders need to be aware that speeding, alcohol, drugs and fatigue can all increase the risk of accidents. He appealed to the moto riders to share the tips with their colleagues to foster road safety. “Being distracted or under the intoxication of drugs increases your chances of crashing. Riding requires utmost attention – and anything that takes your mind or eyes off the road, not only compromises your safety, but also that of everyone else on the road,” CIP Kalisa said. Jean Claude Musengimana, who spoke on behalf of the taxi-moto operators, said road safety is at the top of their association’s agenda. He commended the Police for sensitising motorcyclists across the country against dangers like drug abuse, speeding and riding without proper documents. “Some motorcyclists ride at a high speed and have no time to react to unexpected hazards; these individuals and those who ride without proper documents are the ones who increase the risk of accidents. We need to respect our work by always adhering to traffic regulations,” he said. Claude Uwitonze, another taxi-moto operator, said motorcyclists will be the “eyes” of their community by reporting suspicious individuals who exploit services of commercial motorcyclists to transport stolen equipment as well as those who traffic drugs. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
