The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has issued a warning advising motorists not to tamper with the mandatory speed limiters installed in Public Service Vehicles (PSVs) and commercial vehicles, and to avoid drinking and driving.
In a press release on Saturday, December 20, NTSA cautioned that tampering with these devices is unlawful and endangers the lives of passengers, pedestrians, and other road users.
Additionally, NTSA stated that tampering with or removing speed limiters undermines efforts made by the government and vehicle owners to enhance road safety.
“During the ongoing enforcement operations, we have observed increasing cases of speed limiter tampering,” the statement read.
Additionally, the NTSA reminded motorists that speed is the leading cause of road incidents that end up claiming lives.
The authority continued to warn all public service vehicle (PSV) operators, drivers, and owners against tampering with or disabling speed limiters as an unlawful act.
In a separate statement, the transport and road safety watchdog warned motorists to avoid drinking and driving.
“Please remember, drink driving takes lives,” the statement began. “It endangers your life and that of others.”
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These safety-centred releases succeeded a festive period when Kenyan roads had been marred with numerous lives lost due to road incidents, including that of former Minister Cyrus Jirongo.
To curb instances of drinking and driving, the authority advised Kenyan drivers that it would be conducting random breathalyser (AlcoBlow) tests.
In a December 19 nighttime crackdown on the Embu-Nairobi highway, the road safety watchdog noted that several motorists were detained for driving under the influence.
Under the law, NTSA can withdraw or suspend a driving licence for a driver caught driving while under the influence or impose fines ranging from Ksh10,000 to Ksh20,000, or imprisonment for at least three months.
In severe cases of speeding or repeated offences, fines can reach Ksh100,000.
