Police have warned motorists against the dangers of driving while under the influence of alcohol. The warning follows Friday and Saturday night operations by the Traffic and Road Safety (TRS) department through which at least 120 drivers were arrested in the City of Kigali over drunk-driving. Commissioner of Police (CP) Rafiki Mujiji, commissioner for TRS said that the “continuous operations across the country” are part of the year-long national road safety campaign dubbed ‘Gerayo Amahoro’ launched in May this year. Mujiji said that impaired driving, especially under the influence of alcohol, is one of the major causes of fatal accidents. “The alcoholic content for all the arrested drivers was way above the recommended 0.8 maximum, and their state-defined higher chances of crashing,” said Mujiji. “The public should take caution and be responsible even when they are enjoying. A drunk driver is a risk not only to their lives but to other road users and property. Therefore, individual responsibility is very crucial in ensuring personal and road safety,” Mujiji emphasized. He added: “If you have a car or motorcycle and intend to drink alcohol, make sure you have a sober person, who will drive you home thereafter, don’t be a security threat to yourself and other road users.” “Alcohol inhibits a driver’s judgment. A drunk driver is more likely to over-speed or drives on the wrong side of the road. We urge people to share information whenever they see a drunken driver. We call upon bar owners and attendants to also be part of this campaign to advice customers with cars not to go on the wheel when they’re drunk; it’s a collective responsibility.” He warned that operations are continuous against such “intolerable dangerous human behaviors” to prevent accidents caused by drunkenness. “Drunken driving is an offense punishable with a fine of Rwf150, 000, imprisonment, confiscation of driver’s license and impounding the vehicle; this is something avoidable,” said Mujiji. Gerayo Amahoro campaign is designed to use different approaches to reach all categories of road users through road safety education, enforcement of road traffic rules and regulations to ensure safer roads for all. editor@newtimesrwanda.com
