As the calls to improve road safety are refreshed, motorcyclists continue to be involved in accidents more than other road users, especially in Kigali, where they account for over 80 % of the accidents recorded annually, according to the traffic police reports.
The reason is obvious. Probably due to their agility and apparent high self-confidence, taxi-moto drivers seem to think that everybody will get out of the way for them and that traffic regulations apply to everyone but themselves. Ignoring of traffic lights, driving without permits or insurance, slaloming between lanes, excessive speed... it's all in a day's work for the average motorcyclist.
Kigali City's mayor Fidele Ndayisaba however wants to burst that bubble, reminding all drivers, and motorcyclists in particular, that most accidents are avoidable if they act responsibly and respect traffic rules. "That means even the innocent lives that perish in road accidents can be saved," he recently said.
According to statistics from the National Police, at least one person dies in road accident, every day. Police spokesman Theos Badege adds that at least six people get injured in road accidents daily, the majority of which are due to carelessness by motorcyclist. He therefore urges passengers to always challenge reckless drivers and denounce such practices.
"Reject errant motorists, and if they persist, inform the police," Badege advises. "Passengers have a role to play by reminding drivers to be careful, not to use the phone while driving, not to over speed, and inform concerned authorities if drivers continue to put their lives in danger."
"We are going to take measures to ensure that our members review the way they operate. Where necessary, we will penalize those who display bad behavior."
Eric Nisingizwe, the head of Ferwacotamo, an association grouping motorcyclists cooperatives, for his part pledges "full commitment and partnership" with traffic police officers to enforce road security. "We are going to take measures to ensure that our members review the way they operate," he says. "Where necessary, we will penalize those who display bad behavior."
Obviously, talk to the motorcyclists themselves and they will proclaim innocence. Gervais Habiyakare, who operates in Kigali, claims that in more than 10 years on the road, he has been involved in only two accidents. "And those were not my fault," he is quick to add.
Habiyakare, true to his element, follows it up with a profession of faith. "We can minimize the risks by driving slowly, anticipating the behavior of others and find a way where it is. In traffic jams you sometimes see motorcycles trying to pass even by using the sidewalk."
The traffic police has in the past held discussions with motorcycle associations, as wellas campaigns to curb traffic offences and ensure road safety. "It has yielded positive results. We cannot ignore the change of mindset of some motorcyclists in respecting regulations," Badege says.
Leniency
Late last year, many motorcycles have been confiscated for violation of traffic rules. Mid-January, RNP released the impounded motorcycles following new guidelines issued by the Traffic and Road Safety Department, where motorcyclists found breaking traffic regulations will be handed alternative punishments like fines instead of seizing their vehicle, except in serious cases.
"Though the new guidelines are more lenient, there are exceptions where motorcycles will be impounded, especially those operating without insurance, over loading and where the rider is found without a driver's license," Badege clarified. "With a high number of accidents involving motorcycles, their vigilance can be critical in ensuring road safety."
The number of people who died in road traffic accidents last year reduced by 21.4% to 308 from 392 registered in 2011, according to police statistics. The reduction was attributed to several road safety measures initiated by police and partners such as sensitization and increase of traffic signs.
According to the police, negligence, bad maneuvers and speeding remain the major causes of traffic accidents at 56.4%, 24.3% and 8.8% respectively. Negligence also includes driving while on the phone.
Last year, 4471 accidents were recorded countrywide, claiming 474 lives.
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I've lived in kigali for 3 years. I use moto's daily. I've seen many accidents but thankfully have not been in one. I do chastise motodrivers's when they are on the phone and usually ask them to stop and as I get off. There is room for improvement. HOWEVER In Rwanda there as many as 4 Policemen to every traffic light. They do not monitor 'errant motorcyclist's at all, rather sit and stare at their mobile phones. The Police could also do with giving this more of their attention, as the Motodrivers know they are not the most diligent individuals when it comes to policing stops at crossroads. Generally when taking a motorbike the risk, is not just the motor bike driver, but also vehicular drivers on the roads in general, who don't seem to obey any rules whatsoever. You are more at risk to getting crushed by an oversized 4 x 4 than having a motorbike crash. There is a general lack of regard for motorbikes on the road since. Perhaps a designated motorbike lane would be an idea since there are thousands of them on the road at once. But certainly its both the the motor-cylists and the police who will ultimately curb the rate of accidents.