EASTERN PROVINCE - Rwamagana - The police in Eastern Province has taken a tight stance against reckless drivers, especially during the ongoing festive period.

Following a provincial security meeting directives to maintain security along the roads, police have become more vigilant than usual to curtail accidents that may arise as a result of excitement during the season.

This kind of unusual vigilance was witnessed yesterday when the first culprits were ordered to park their vehicles at Rwamagana Police Station for reckless driving.

"Those arrested will have their vehicles impounded and must pay a fine before the vehicles are released. By so doing, we are preventing offences, especially during holidays,” said a traffic policeman who was on duty.

"These are drivers we found on the highway driving dangerously…you know they pose a danger, not only on the passengers they ferry, but to other road users.”

Jean Marie Rutinduka, one of the passengers, said he did not care about the delays, after they were forced to drive to the police, and later on change to another taxi.

"The police are doing the right thing…I wish they could do it always. This driver has been driving at over 100km/h yet the vehicle does not seem to be in proper mechanical condition,” said the seemingly relieved passenger.

Police have beefed up their presence along the Rusumo-Kigali and Kagitumba-Kigali highways.

A traffic officer revealed that information gathered from the field indicates that accidents resulting from drunk and reckless driving and speeding had as a result been minimized.

"We expect motorists, particularly public utility drivers, to continue observing traffic regulations by carrying legally-acceptable numbers of people. Passengers should also ensure their safety by reporting reckless drivers and other crimes.”

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