BEST ROAD SAFETY PRACTICES ON KAMPALA-ENTEBBE EXPRESSWAY
Road safety is an essential concern for everyone. As vehicle use and urbanization continue to rise, the need for effective strategies to prevent accidents and ensure safety is more critical than ever. This article highlights best practices and strategies to enhance road safety, particularly on the Kampala-Entebbe Expressway.
Understanding the Importance of Road Safety:
Every time one steps onto the road, whether as drivers, passengers, our safety is at risk. On the Kampala-Entebbe Expressway, this concern is heightened due to high traffic volumes and speed limits. The expressway’s road signs remind users of essential safety measures such as keeping left unless overtaking, slowing down during rainy days reducing speed to 40 km/hr when exiting the expressway, and 20 km/hr as you approach the toll gates, and many others. These measures are to help minimize accidents and enhance road safety.
Safe Driving Practices:
Research indicates that risky behaviors account for over 70% of road accidents. Common risks include reckless driving, distractions, and driving under the influence of drugs or fatigue.
Educating drivers on safe driving practices is vital. Defensive driving courses and training programs can also prepare drivers to anticipate and respond to potential hazards. Key driving practices include maintaining a safe following distance of at least 60 meters, avoiding distractions, and sticking to speed limits. Promoting respect and patience among all road users contributes to a safer driving environment.
Vehicle safety is another important road safety aspect. Regular vehicle maintenance and inspections before one gets on the road are essential to prevent mechanical failures that could lead to accidents.
Best Practices and Strategies:
To enhance road safety, a comprehensive approach is needed, combining strict enforcement of traffic laws, improved infrastructure, safe driving practices, and stringent vehicle safety standards. On the Kampala-Entebbe Expressway, for instance, the maximum speed limit is 100 km/hr. However, drivers are to adhere to traffic laws and adjust their speed based on the speed signs on the road. Enforcing laws related to speeding, drunk driving, seat belt use, and mobile phone usage while driving is also a crucial road safety practice.
Adopting these best practices and strategies requires a collective effort. Let’s all work towards creating safer road environments and significantly reducing road traffic accidents by ensuring that we stay alert, follow the rules, and arrive alive. Share these tips with fellow road users—together, we can make the Kampala-Entebbe Expressway safer for all.
REMEMBER, SAFETY STARTS WITH YOU!
Kenneth WODEYA,
Health and Safety Manager,
Egis Road Operations in Uganda.