North Kyoga RTO warns drivers against overspeeding, careless overtaking

Irene Chillinggut, the Regional Traffic Officer (RTO) for North Kyoga Region (Lango) made the call, sounding warnings to transport operators to desist from bad practices such as overspeeding, careless driving and overloading which may cause road crashes.

Chillinggut said a total of 46,02 people died in road crashes according to police statistics. The deaths, she quoted, were attributed to careless overtaking and excessive speeding.

She cautioned drivers to observe traffic rules and regulations to reduce road crashes.

The RTO encouraged drivers to upgrade their classes before legal action.

Jimmy Ekwang, the Traffic Officer for Dokolo advised drivers to undergo a defensive driving course and obtain a driving license to reduce road crashes.

Bernard Nyeko Masanga, the spokespersonfor Northern Uganda Drivers and Transport Network Association also emphasised on cooperation and unity between drivers and traffic officers on the road.

He called for constant engagement training to build the capacities of transport operators.

Kizito Okao, the Director Lira-Amolatar Taxi Drivers and Conductors Association, speaking during the event, appealed to drivers to desist from mistreating and mishandling passengers.

Okao requested the Regional Traffic Officer to bring the service centre closer for drivers to get a driving license.

The centre, he said, will support drivers from moving long distances to acquire a permit.

Daniel Oding, an instructor from Good Motor Driving School in Lira encourages drivers to embrace refresher courses and capacity building training to reduce the escalating road traffic crashes across the region and country at large.

Oding cited over speeding, overloading, peer pressure, failure to follow the traffic rules and regulations, and overdrinking which are claiming the lives of innocent passengers.