Boda boda operators cause most accidents

Motorcyclists in Meru have surpassed matatu drivers in causing most of the road accidents in the county.

An influx of motorbikes has come along with reckless riding, with many operators flouting traffic laws.

Meru traffic boss Jackson Sang told the Nation that there are more than 2,000 motorcycles in the town.

He said that boda boda accidents, which mostly occur at night, were due to negligence.

“These accidents would greatly be reduced if all motorcyclists are well-trained and adhere to all traffic regulations,” said Mr Sang.

Despite frequent crackdowns by police officers, the accidents continue to occur.

Greed has also been cited as contributing to motorbike accidents. Motorcyclists tend to travel at high speeds in order to ferry as many passengers as possible per day.

Mr Sang also singled out alcohol, saying it is contributing to the growing problem of motorcycle carnage.

He noted that the Traffic Department records an average of two fatal motorcycle accidents per day.

Imenti North District leads in the number of accidents recorded.

According to Mr Sang, caution is also not observed with regard to the safety of passengers since they are not provided with protective gear when travelling.

“Motorcyclists are worse than motorists as far as breaking traffic laws are concerned. We have, however, increased surveillance on all roads to ensure that traffic laws are observed by the motorcyclists and that sanity is restored in this transport sub-sector,” he said.

More than 100 errant motorcyclists, said Mr Sang, have been arrested and charged in court.

Police in the county said they have been holding meetings with the motorcyclists to ensure the traffic rules are adhered to.

Staff from driving schools also help during the meetings.

Meru police boss Tom Odero said officers were making efforts to ensure that all motorcycles are registered before being allowed to operate.

He called for thorough training of motorcyclists to curb accidents.

The strain on health facilities caused by motorcycle crashes is high.

At the Meru Level Five Hospital, the Casualty Department admits at least 10 patients every week with motorcycle- related injuries.

An orthopaedic and trauma unit is being constructed at the hospital to cater for the many cases referred to the facility.

Hospital superintendent Elias Nyaga told the Nation that most of the injuries are caused by failure to ride with safety gear, which includes a helmet, protective suits, gloves and boots.

Dr Nyaga said most of the victims are men aged between 20 and 40. “The hospital has no special wing for motorcycle accident victims but we receive cases of broken spines, head and chest injuries, as well as broken limbs. Respiratory cases are also on the increase because the riders and the passengers don’t put on protective attire,” he said.

He said that some of the riders and their passengers had no clue about road signs.