KAKAMEGA COUNTY: Fatigued truck drivers have been identified as the leading cause of road accidents Western region.
Western Provincial Traffic Enforcement Officer Evans Getembe issued a warning to employers and their truck drivers asking them to get enough rest before driving.
“Truck drivers are causing many accidents in Westernregion. I’m appealing to them to ensure they get enough sleep before they drive,” Getembe said when he addressed a forum of matatu and truck drivers in Kakamega.
The 200-plus drivers were drawn from West KenyaSugar Company whose trucks form the largest proportion of heavy duty vehicles in the region.
“The management of the sugar companies should also allow their drivers to rest to avoid a situation where they are fatigued while on the road,” said Getembe.
He further warned against overloading and carrying of wide loads on tractors and trucks since that too poses danger to other motorists.
The safety lecture was the first in a raft of steps the traffic police department has instituted to curb road carnage. The Webuye- Eldoret road is now considered to be accident-prone due to recent fatalities. Narrow roads have also been a major cause of concern.
By BRYAN TUMWA, The Standard
