NTSA arrests 12 drivers in Meru, records high alcohol levels in breathalyser tests

On October 31, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) in Kenya arrested 12 drivers and seized their vehicles during a night-time road safety operation in Meru County. Among the arrested, eight were found to be driving under the influence of alcohol. The operation, carried out in partnership with law enforcement agencies, also encountered a driver who declined to provide a breath specimen for alcohol testing.

NTSA officials shared that breathalyser tests conducted during the operation detected alcohol levels ranging from 0.780mg/l to 1.483mg/l, all exceeding the legal limit of 0.35mg/l. The authority emphasized that driving with such high levels of intoxication significantly impairs judgment, thereby elevating the risk of fatal road crashes.

NTSA stressed that the arrests are part of a broader effort to enhance road safety ahead of the festive season through the Msimu Bila Ajali, Usalama Barabarani campaign. This initiative, launched in collaboration with law enforcement bodies, includes public awareness campaigns for drivers and passengers, alongside day and night compliance checks on major transport routes.

NTSA officials underscored the prioritization of night-time operations due to the heightened danger during evening and late-night hours on Kenyan roads. The intensified surveillance aims to identify and mitigate risky driving behaviors that contribute to road accidents.

During the operation, NTSA checked for instances of speeding violations, the functionality of vehicle speed limiters, and their continuous reporting to the Intelligent Road Safety Management System (IRSMS). They also inspected documentation for long-distance public transport operators, including passenger lists, driver records, route licenses, Road Service Licences, and vehicle inspection stickers.

Additional scrutiny encompassed vehicle capacity, the validity of driving licences, and the use of PSV badges, along with enforcing passenger seatbelt use.

The authority cautioned motorists to ensure their vehicles have functional speed limiters linked to the IRSMS via the NTSA's upgraded portal. They also warned against interacting with deceptive messages claiming to inform about speed violations, asserting that official alerts are sent exclusively via SMS ID NTSA. Passengers were reminded to wear seatbelts throughout their journeys, with NTSA warning that not doing so increases the risk of severe injuries or death in the event of a crash.

NTSA urged drivers approaching check points to slow down and cooperate with enforcement officers, emphasizing that the operations adhere to safety protocols designed to protect both motorists and officers while maintaining traffic flow. As the festive season nears, NTSA advised night-time drivers to reduce their speeds, keep a safe distance from vehicles ahead, and stay vigilant due to reduced visibility.