During the festive season, a lot of people tend to get on the wrong side of the law while on the road by going against established traffic laws.
As much as the officers, at times, tend to accuse the motorists falsely, it is wise for everyone to be keen on being on the wrong side to avoid trouble with them.
Kenyans.co.ke has compiled some of the things you should do to avoid getting in trouble with the traffic police:
Avoid Abuse
Whether in the wrong or not, avoid being abusive while dealing with traffic officers.
It is advised to remain calm no matter the situation the officers put you into. Your insults will welcome more trouble and you will end up parting with big fines.
Drunk Driving
Drunk driving is another offense that is commonly committed by many people, especially during the holiday season.
To be on the safe side, avoid driving while drunk as this will invite fines from the officers.
The Traffic Act, Cap 403, Section 44(1) states that any person who, when driving or attempting to drive, or when in charge of a motor vehicle on a road or other public place, is under the influence of drink or a drug to such an extent as to be incapable of having proper control of the vehicle, shall be guilty of an offense and liable to a fine not exceeding one hundred thousand shillings or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or to both.
Updated Insurance
It is compulsory to insure your vehicle in Kenya. Driving a car without insurance will attract a penalty of Ksh10,000 or a jail term.
Fastened Seat Belts
According to NTSA Traffic Rule 22A(1) and (2), for a PSV car without a seatbelt installed, the owner of the vehicle suffers the consequences of paying Sh1,000 for each seat without a safety belt.
As a passenger, you must comply with the NTSA Traffic Law by wearing the safety belt at all times when in a journey, failure to do so will attract a fine of Ksh500.
Roll Down the window when stopped
Avoid being rude when stopped by the officers. Always roll down the windows to have a good impression with the officers.
Not rolling down the window is a way of portraying rudeness and gesturing to the officers that you are not ready to be questioned.
Using Mobile Phones While Driving
Phones are the main cause of accidents as they bring about divided attention while the driver is supposed to have his full attention on the road.
Making calls or even texting while driving will put you on the wrong side of the law. This kind of traffic offense will cause you to be fined a fee of Ksh2,000.
Driving license
You should note that no officer will entertain you without a license. Especially during the holiday season when the officers will be enhancing every type of measure to curb accidents, this is a vital document that should always be with you.
If you have one, then you should stick to the vehicle classes you studied. Failing to do that attracts a penalty of Ksh7,000. Failure to renew your license after the expiry date attracts a Ksh1,000 levy.
You should also have this document always; otherwise, failure to produce it on demand will be a crime punishable by a Ksh1,000 fine. Unqualified persons without the required documentation pay Ksh7,000.
Remember that safety should be the key to whatever you do. Avoid risking your lives and those of your loved ones by following the required traffic rules.
