Kampala, Uganda – As the new term beckons, the Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety have rolled out a comprehensive set of guidelines to prevent accidents and ensure a secure commute for all students.
The guidelines have been issued by the spokesperson of the directorate SP Michael Kananura while addressing journalists at the police headquarters in Naguru today.
Motorists have been urged to observe road rules and exercise patience to allow students and other pedestrians to cross safely.
Kananura emphasized that children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by adults on the motorcycles and carrying more than 2 children on one motorcycle is strongly discouraged “in most cases you find many school going pupils being put on these motorcycles especially during morning and even hours. You find 2 homes hiring one motorcycle to carry the children of both homes to school. This is very dangerous and ofcourse we cannot conduct operations because it’s risking the lives of these children.” He said
“This goes to you as parents and caretakers, you must ensure that you’ve not put many pupils only on one motorcycle, otherwise you are risking their lives to road crashes.” kananura added
He also urged parents and guardians to make it a point by ensuring that their children get maximum security while travelling to and from their respective schools throughout the entire term. “Escort them especially on very busy roads. Do not let these children to use these roads alone, help and walk them through the busy roads.” He said
Kananura also called on schools located on the highways to designate caretakers to raise flags to alert motorists when the children are about to cross the roads to avoid accidents. “Most of these schools are doing this but there are those that aren’t doing this. In our campaigns in the schools we have always encouraged the school management to always practice this because it’s very important.” He stated
He further reminded all drivers to desist from carrying excess passengers and distructions that end up compromising safe driving which includes adhering to traffic laws and regulations.
He also highlighted that all schools vans must refrain from carrying excess passengers while transporting students. “Some of these school vans always put many pupils as they pick them and even while taking them back to the homes. Parents of these teachers should ensure that these school vans are not loaded to that extent.” Said the traffic spokesperson
Students have also been advised to use recognised taxis and Boda Boda stages, opt for lincesed vehicles and should avoid bording tinted and unfamiliar vehicles to avoid risks. “Note the registration number of your taxi or Boda Boda and share it with your parents or guardians of possible.” Said Kananura
He additionally warned schools against hiring trucks to transport the school children especially to football venues and others school activities.”it has been common with some schools continuing to hire these trucks for transporting the students for their school trips. It’s very dangerous and prohibited. Let’s get vehicles which are authorised to transport people.” He emphasized
He finally asked parents and gurdians to ensure that they avail their mobile numbers, information and emergency police contacts to their children as they report back to school.
“Let’s work together to ensure a safe and smooth commute for all students. The directorate of traffic and road safety wishes all students a safe and successful third term. Remember to always prioritise road safety whether you are walking, cycling or travelling by vehicle to stay safe and alert on the roads.” He stated
