Nairobi — A campaign has been launched in Coast Province to sensitise all road users to follow and abide by traffic rules and regulations to reduce road accidents during this festive season.

Dubbed 'Epuka Ajali' the campaign aims to sensitise public service vehicle operators, private motorists, passengers and pedestrians to be vigilant while using roads during this festive season.

The campaign which has been organised by traffic department, Bamburi Cement and its transporters encourages passengers to use seat belts while PSV operators are urged to avoid using defective vehicles.

Mombasa traffic boss Charles Koskei who launched the campaign at Mama Ngina Drive said most of the accidents recorded were caused by defective vehicles and those which were speeding.

Ms Magdaline Mwende, Bamburi Cement safety manager said the sensitisation programme will remind road users on how to reduce accidents and promote tourism in the Coast.

"We want our tourists who are planning to travel to Coast for a holiday to have a safe journey that is why we have organised such a campaign," said Ms Mwende.

Ms Mwende also challenged truck and trailer drivers to improve in their driving skills since most of the accidents are usually linked with them.

During the launch of the campaign yesterday, a convoy of truck drivers drove from Mama Ngina drive to Mariakani Weigh Bridge where they held a meeting with trailer and PSV operators.

At the same time, police have intensified crackdown on defective vehicles in Mombasa and along the Nairobi-Mombasa highway.

Coast provincial traffic boss Joshua Omukuta said the crackdown will ensure all vehicles plying on the road comply with traffic rules.

"Most of public service owners usually take advantage of this festive season to use defective vehicles because of the demand but we shall seize all of them if they are unroadworthy," said the traffic boss.

During the crackdown, more than 40 PSV vehicles were seized.