The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has offered up 10 tips for driving on wet roads following heavy rains that have been hitting several regions in the country since Sunday night.
In a social media post on Monday morning, NTSA urged the drivers to adhere to the tips to avoid being involved in accidents following reports that several Nairobi roads were experiencing flooding and traffic snarl-up.
Top on the list was staying alert. This is especially solid advice as visibility reduces significantly during heavy rains and some roads experience flooding which can be missed by being distracted.
Buckling up was the second tip issued by NTSA followed by avoiding travelling in heavy rain.
Drivers were also warned against attempting to cross running water as they could easily misconstrue the depth of the ponds, leading to drowning accidents.
Fifth on the list was for the drivers to slow down when driving on wet roads as the roads became more slippery and prone to accidents than when not wet.
The next two tips—using wiper blades and turning on headlights—were issued to ensure that good visibility is maintained.
NTSA further warned the drivers against using cruise control when driving on wet roads as once again, the status of the roads was unpredictable.
Applying breaks earlier and using less force to apply the brakes was also offered up as a tip while driving on these roads.
Lastly, drivers were urged to drive safely and follow all other regulations as they would on normal roads, but doing it more cautiously because of the weather conditions.
These tips came shortly after reports emerged that several Nairobi roads were experiencing a traffic snarl-up leading up to the Central Business District (CBD) as the heavy rains significantly disrupted the traffic.
Major roads like Thika Superhighway, Jogoo Road, Waiyaki Way, and even the Nairobi Expressway were some of the most affected roads, leaving commuters stuck on the road longer than usual.
Two minor road accidents were also reported at Chiromo along Waiyaki Way.
