7 New NTSA Regulations Motorists Should Look Out For
Several measures have been established by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) to lessen the increasing number of traffic accidents that occur nationwide.
The reforms, which range from new speed limits and vehicle importation criteria to driving license compliance and boda boda safety laws, will serve as the Authority’s five-year action plan.
The National Road Safety Action Plan 2024-2028 outlines the government’s strategy to reduce impunity and moderate traffic violations.
“The figures are rising annually. They must be removed, and other places are aware of and use the template. It is impunity that prevents us from acting morally. At the Action Plan unveiling on April 27, 2024. President William Ruto said, “We have another meeting in a year, and (Transport CS) Kipchumba Murkomen you better report to us that the numbers are down otherwise you will be in a lot of trouble.”
His comments were prompted by the highest number of accidents in over ten years, as the following graphics demonstrate.
The planned tactics are as follows:
- Design of Safety Roads
The NTSA is going to create safety design manuals to reduce road fatalities. The guides in this new style will be geared toward safeguarding drivers because they will be presuming that user error may happen.
To address off-road crashes, this will entail installing roadside barriers on high-speed routes. The Authority will also pinpoint dangerous and accident-prone areas and suggest fixes.
2. Speed-Limit
For five years, four new speed limit revisions are planned.
- 30 km/h in places like villages, school zones, or commercial districts where there is a chance of collisions between cars bikes, and pedestrians.
- 30 km/h in places where kids are present in addition to vehicles.
- 50 kilometers per hour in places like junctions where side impact incidents are a possibility.
- 70 km per hour in regions where head-on collisions could occur. This also applies to rural routes that are unbroken.
3. New Guidelines for the Importation of Vehicles
At least seven of the eight UN-adopted vehicle safety standards must be met by automobiles before they can be sold in Kenya by 2030:
These specifications address the features that a car must have on the inside as well as the outside to be approved by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS).
These include child restraints (devices mounted in car seats), motorcycle anti-lock braking systems, seat belts, seat-belt anchorages, electronic stability control, frontal crash protection, side impact protection, and pedestrian front protection.
Every car must include a mechanism that notifies drivers and other motorists when a driver is not wearing their seat belt. Guidelines for frontal and side impact protection specify how the car should defend its occupants in the case of an accident.
4. Inspection of Vehicles
Every year, an inspection will be conducted on all commercial and public service vehicles to evaluate their roadworthiness and safety features.
The brakes, tires, steering wheel, lights, and seatbelts are the main problems.
5. Reforms to Boda Boda Licensing
Five fresh methods for enforcing compliance are included in the boda boda reform package.
- The implementation of a tiered licensing scheme with stricter safety requirements for license applicants.
- The installation of hazard warning signs, appropriate safety standards for helmets, and anti-locking brakes.
- Helmets for motorcyclists must regularly pass laboratory testing to guarantee that they meet safety and quality requirements.
- Stricter enforcement of existing traffic laws to ensure compliance.
- Every boda boda will have to become a member of a SACCO with a minimum of 100 members.
6. Driving Licenses Being Phased Out
All drivers will need to have Smart DLs during the three years that the government intends to phase out the old driving licenses.
To identify repeat offenders and ensure compliance, an instant fine system and demerit point system must be implemented.
Telematics is intended to increase the ability to enforce compliance and discourage repeat offenders.
To offer real-time data on vehicle movements and driver behavior, telecommunications and informatics will be combined.
It will help gather and analyze data, identify high-risk drivers, gather proof for legal proceedings, andsendg out automatic alerts and notifications.
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7 New NTSA Regulations Motorists Should Look Out For
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