Police yesterday warned motorcycle taxi motorcyclists against violating traffic rules, which lead to a high number of road accidents in the country.

Addressing the operators at the closure of the ‘Road Safety Week’ in Nyamirambo, Kigali, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Butera, noted that despite several sensitisation campaigns, several operators still do not wear helmets, which in most cases result into deaths in case of an accident.

"Any motorcyclist who will be caught operating without a helmet will be penalised accordingly,” Butera, who is in charge of operations and public order in the police force, said.

Most accidents registered in the country are caused by motorcycles, according to police reports. He told them not to transport passengers who decline to wear helmets.
One person dies everyday across the country as a result of a road accident, according to a police report.

Butera, also warned public transporters, especially those who ply upcountry routes against over-speeding and reckless driving.

"Every person has a right to live. As transporters, the passengers’ lives are placed in your hands. The country’s security should be everyone’s responsibility. Only together, can we achieve it,” said Butera.

Dr. Alex Nzahabwanimana, the State Minister in charge of Transport, appealed to the association of transporters to formalise penalties to members who violet traffic rules and regulations, as a way of enhancing road security.

Nzahabwanimana, who appealed to the force to enforce its rules and laws to ensure road security, said that they will establish more vehicle stations, especially in the city of Kigali.

The establishment of new public parking yards follows a complaint by tax operators that the yards available are insufficient.

"It’s a pity that someone has to always remind you on how to take care of your life – like to fasten your seatbelts,” Nzahabwanimana stated.

He urged them to be disciplined, observe hygiene and give value to their lives.

The Road Safety Week is an annual event aimed at raising awareness to enforce road security and advise road users to fine tune their road culture in the interest of their own safety and that of others.

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