NTSA Steps in After Matatu Driver Filmed Endangering Lives [VIDEO]

Matatus parked along Accra road.
Matatus parked along Accra road.
File

The National Transport and Safety Authority is following a case in which a driver of a Public Service Vehicle (PSV) was filmed constantly checking his mobile phone while driving on a major highway.

The incident was filmed by a passenger who goes by the moniker John Giks. The passenger argued that the driver's eyes and attention ought to have been on the road throughout the journey, and not on his mobile phone, to avoid accidents.

"This PSV driver is endangering the lives of his passengers...He almost went off the road, that's how I knew he was distracted," John stated.

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A section of his followers, however, disagreed with him, indicating that the offense was minor and should not be a cause for alarm that warrants NTSA's attention.

"Did you tell him to stop what he was doing? It's no point only recording him. You must confront him!" one of the tweeps said.

"He is just checking the phone, he does not seem to text, read a text or call. I don't see any danger there," another weighed in.

In a rejoinder, the agency stated that it would follow up with the PSV's management.

"Thank you for bringing up the above matter, we are following up with the management of Double M buses," NTSA stated.

NTSA has been tracking traffic offenders who flout road rules, with the agency enhancing vigilance on social media to try follow and act on road incidences reported by Kenyans.

On Tuesday, March 2, the agency ordered the Mololine matatu fleet to undergo mandatory inspection following a road accident that claimed nine lives.

The authority ordered inspection on the entire fleet of 400 Public Service Vehicles (PSVs).

Drivers from Mololine sacco were also ordered to present themselves within 14 days for re-testing before they can be allowed back on the road.

Cars pictured at a traffic light along Kenyatta Avenue in Nairobi
Cars pictured at a traffic light along Kenyatta Avenue in Nairobi
Simon Kiragu
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