Intensify operations against errant motorcyclists

The police at the weekend said it had blacklisted about 100 motorcyclists in Kigali over abuse of traffic related regulations. The suspects are accused of traffic rules violation. The police has in the passed impounded over 100 taxi motorcycles that abused traffic regulations.These belonged to those riding without a helmet, a license and overloading. The police crackdown should be commended. It should be done regularly because motorcyclists are notorious and have been linked to several accidents. They need serious control and supervision. Statistics indicate that motorcycles are responsible for 80 per cent of road accidents recorded annually, especially in Kigali city.Road accidents claimed over 300 lives in 2012. The deaths recorded represented a slight reduction of 21 percent from 392 that were registered in 2011.Therefore, if not well regulated motor cyclists can be a threat to lives of the users. Laws in place to protect the public against improper use of taxi-motos should be strictly enforced.Police has simplified the process of acquiring driving licenses and every Rwandan can acquire one upon passing all the tests and requirements.However, with motorcycles contributing to the highest number of accidents, the vigilance of traffic officers is critical in ensuring road safety. Also, it calls for regular crackdown to enforce regulations and road safety training. Motorcycle cooperatives should help police in tracing the culprits such that they can face the law. Taxi –motos are the quickest and most preferred means of transport especially in Kigali city, because of their ability to manoeuvre through traffic jam and to access remote areas.

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Intensify operations against errant motorcyclists