0ver 200 bodaboda operators in Vihiga County were on Friday 20th of May 2016 trained by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) on road safety in a bid to reduce accidents and promote road safety in the area.
Head of NTSA Western region Enock Rutto said the initiative was meant to bring sanity in the roads and create awareness about observing traffic rules.
“This exercise has been rolled out in all major towns and Vihiga is one of them. The training is intended to minimize avoidable accidents,” said Rutto.
Rutto said NTSA had donated two hundred helmets and reflector jackets to the bodaboda operators who lacked the gears in Vihiga area.
He said most accidents in the region by the operators were caused by sheer ignorance and failure to observe traffic regulations.
Vihiga county Women representative Dorcas Kedogo who hosted and accompanied the NTSA officials appealed to the operators to adhere to traffic rules and acquire licenses to be free to operate without getting into trouble with the authority.
“We want to sensitize the operators about traffic rules and compliance in order to reduce road carnages,” said Kedogo.
She said every sub county will receive 40 reflective jackets and helmets and NTSA has promised to add another 400 reflective jackets and helmets to the operators.
The women representative and Head of NTSA were speaking at Praise centre Hall in Mbale town during the training.
She said wearing of helmets and reflector jackets by the operators prevent major injuries during accidents and can save lives.
“We have taught 200 operators with hopes that it will curb the high rate of accidents caused by motorcyclists,” said Kedogo.
She also appealed to the operators to observe cleanliness and ensure their passengers have worn helmets and reflective jackets.
