NTSA Announces Nationwide Alcoblow Crackdown Ahead of August School Holidays

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has stepped up alcoblow patrols nationwide in preparation for the August school holidays, alerting motorists that drink-driving offenders will be targeted with more frequent roadside blood alcohol content testing as holiday travel intensifies.

The intensified operation will focus on major roads and bus termini and is the second phase of a new road safety awareness campaign being rolled out jointly with the National Police Service (NPS) and county governments.

The campaign will first focus on Mombasa County and later, other areas.

According to the NTSA, the new drive will be a combination of roadside breathalyzer tests and stricter enforcement of motoring offences including excessive speeding, reckless overtaking, distracted driving, lane discipline, wrong-side driving and motorist fatigue.

“The campaign includes awareness sessions for drivers and passengers, intensified drink-driving (alcoblow) enforcement, and enhanced road safety compliance operations along major highways to promote safer travel during the holiday period,” the authority said.

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Importance of Passenger Intervention in Promoting Safe Driving Practices and Preventing Accidents Caused by Reckless Behavior and Drunk Driving

The agency warned that driving under the influence is still one of the leading causes of fatal accidents on the roads and called on road users to stay off the wheels after drinking alcohol.

However, it is feared that motorists alone are not the ‘thinkers and enforcers’ of safe driving and that passengers will have to be encouraged to challenge even moderately unacceptable driving.

“We urge all passengers to remain vigilant and speak up whenever they observe unsafe driving behavior that puts lives at risk. If your driver is driving recklessly, raise the alarm immediately and encourage them to drive responsibly,” NTSA said.

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NTSA Road Safety Initiative Focused on Reducing Illegal and Dangerous Driving

The authority appealed to the public to report any ‘illegal and dangerous driving’ through police emergency hotlines 999, 911 and 112 as well as other reporting channels.

The increased crackdown coincides with schools closing for the August break; a time that normally sees heightened movement of people and children across the country.

The NTSA added that the crackdown is part of a series of ongoing operations, ‘Operation Watoto Wafike Salama’, designed to ensure the safety of school children and other road users during the busy season.

The police called on all drivers to play their part by following the rules of the road, not to drink when driving and to make sure each trip was a safe one.

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Photo of Nairobi Traffic Officers During Vehicle Inspection PHOTO/NTSA