Dangerous usage of road, pedestrian walkway must stop – MoPW

The Public Works Ministry has warned drivers about the irresponsible and criminal manner in which the roads are being used daily and called for these practices to cease.
In a statement, it was highlighted that recently, there has been an overwhelming number of reports of drivers using road shoulders, cycle paths and pedestrian walkways as driving lanes, in addition to vehicles damaging guard rails and road signs.
“These unlawful practices must stop immediately. With respect to driving on the road shoulders, in addition to breaking the law, this practice is very dangerous, as it increases the risk of accidents since it eliminates the opportunity for other vehicles to access the shoulder in the event of an emergency,” it was directed.
Such practices also impede pedestrian movements and thus expose them to collision with motorised vehicles. Further, blockage of the road shoulder can impede emergency vehicles and delay help reaching those who may urgently need it, the Ministry conveyed.
“The Ministry, therefore, calls on the general public, especially drivers, to use the road shoulders only in the event of an emergency, as these were designed to allow emergency vehicles a safe pass when there is congestion on the roadway.”
Persons were reminded that the blatant disregard and defiance of traffic rules and regulations can result in them being charged and placed before the courts.
As of February, the latest statistics showed that there was a 100 per cent increase in road fatalities when compared to the same period in 2022. The Home Affairs Ministry had noted with grave concern, the growing number of road fatalities that have occurred for the year thus far.
Drunk driving has also been a plague across the country. In April, in response to the high incidences of drunk driving resulting in road traffic accidents, the Government reminded the public of the sweeping changes to the country’s driving laws, which, among other measures, provide for much harsher penalties for some offences that could result in up to 10 years’ imprisonment.
Drivers were being reminded of the provisions of the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic (Amendment) Act 2022, which creates new criminal offences of motor manslaughter and causing grievous bodily harm when driving under the influence of drink or drugs.
A person will be found guilty of motor manslaughter where that person causes the death of another person while driving under the influence of drink or drugs to such an extent as to be incapable of having proper control of the vehicle.
The penalty for conviction of this offence is not less than 10 years. Where the person causes grievous bodily harm to another person while driving under the influence of drink or drugs to such an extent as to be incapable of having proper control of the vehicle, the penalty for conviction is not less than five years.