Rwanda National Police (RNP) held a meeting with heads of taxi-moto cooperatives as part of the ongoing Gerayo Amahoro road safety campaign to address pressing issues contributing to road carnage.
Taxi-moto operators are some of the leading causes of road accidents.
Out of 89 road accidents registered between January and February this year, 16 of them were caused by reckless taxi-moto operators. This resulted in 19 fatalities, including 10 taxi-moto operators, six passengers and three pedestrians.
During the same period, 365 riders were found riding without a driver’s license.
The traffic law provides that a motorist found driving or riding without a driving permit faces up to two months in prison.
Some 194 motorcycles were also impounded for lack of moto insurance, other 94 had no transport authorization; 12 motos had their plate numbers altered to beat traffic enforcement cameras or to prevent being identified in the event of traffic violation; 212 taxi-moto operators were caught for riding while drunk, while 50 others were found transporting passengers and big luggage.
Other serious traffic violations by motorcyclists that contribute to fatal accidents include speeding, wrong or dangerous manoeuvres, overloading, violation of pedestrian walkways and traffic lights as well as fatigue resulting from working long hours, sometimes day and night.
Commissioner of Police (CP) George Rumanzi, the Commissioner for Operations and Public Order, said that motorcycle transport contributes to family and national development, but must be done in an orderly manner and in accordance with road safety regulations.
He said: “We need professional taxi-moto operators with maximum discipline and exhibiting behaviours that prioritize safety as a culture.”
He urged them to follow up and monitor their members, and work with the Police against errant taxi-moto operators. (End)