The Rwanda National Police (RNP) has warned road users against violating traffic regulations that has continued to claim people’s lives and property. Jean Marie Vianney Ndushabandi, the spokesperson of the Traffic and Road Safety department, said the majority of road accidents are due to violation of traffic rules such as speeding, negligence and driving while on phone. The warning follows four accidents registered across the country on Sunday and Monday, which claimed at least three people and injured two others. The accidents were registered in Rubavu, Ngororero, Kayonza, and Gasabo districts. In Rubavu, a Fuso truck knocked cyclists Theoneste Hafashimana and Dieudonne Twagiayezu. The two were taken to hospital where Hafishimana died on arrival. Emmanuel Hategekimana, the driver of the truck, was arrested and is currently held at Gisenyi Police Station. “We have said it time and again for road users, especially drivers and motorcyclists, to abide by traffic rules and regulations, avoid driving while talking on phone, overtaking in dangerous corners, speeding and reckless driving,” Ndushabandi said. “It’s also in the interest of drivers to abide by the road use regulations. They will be sparing their lives and that of their passengers. When driving, safety should be a priority.” Police also called on owners of vehicles with mechanical faults to take them for inspection and to fix them to avoid likely accidents. Vehicles not satisfying the set technical criteria will not be issued a certificate. Owners of vehicles without the certificate will be liable to a fine of Rwf25,000. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
