NTSA Warns Kenyans Against Crossing Roads Outside Footbridges

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has issued a safety advisory warning Kenyans against crossing roads outside designated footbridges, saying the practice continues to claim lives and remains one of the leading causes of preventable pedestrian deaths.

In a notice dated July 22, NTSA urged pedestrians to always use footbridges when crossing busy roads, stressing that taking shortcuts by crossing beside or underneath footbridges puts lives at risk.

“Jaywalking is one of the leading causes of preventable pedestrian deaths. Never risk your life. Always use the footbridge,” read part of the notice.

NTSA Warns Against Crossing Roads Outside Footbridges

According to the authority, footbridges provide complete separation between pedestrians and moving traffic, significantly reducing the risk of road accidents.

Therefore, using footbridges improves safety for all road users, particularly children, older persons and other vulnerable pedestrians.

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NTSA also warned that motorists may be unable to stop in time when pedestrians suddenly step onto the road due to driver blind spots and limited reaction time.

“Driver Blind Spots: Vehicles cannot stop in time when you suddenly step onto the road,” the Authority stated.

The Authority further reminded the public that crossing roads beside or underneath footbridges is illegal and may result in fines or arrest and urged pedestrians to comply with traffic laws and use the designated crossing infrastructure to protect themselves and other road users.

Jaywalking Crackdown Continues as Authorities Warn of Penalties

This warning comes a day after 22 pedestrians were arraigned in court for allegedly obstructing the free flow of traffic by crossing the road instead of using the Allsops footbridge in Nairobi.

The pedestrians were charged following a joint enforcement operation involving NTSA, the National Police Service (NPS) and the Nairobi City County Government aimed at promoting safer road use and reducing pedestrian-related crashes.

Also Read: NTSA to Dispose of Uncollected Logbooks in December, Warns Vehicle Owners

According to the authority, the enforcement exercise will continue alongside public awareness campaigns to encourage pedestrians to use footbridges and designated crossing points.

Additionally , the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has warned that pedestrians who cross roads beneath footbridges instead of using the structures risk fines of between Ksh500 and Ksh5,000.

“Crossing a road under a footbridge could earn you a fine of approximately Ksh500 to Ksh5,000. Despite this, people still prefer to cross the road to save time, but be careful not to save time and lose life,” KeNHA warned.

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NTSA Vehicles in a Parking Space in Nairobi. PHOTO/ NTSA.