My Thought

Unruly drivers must face the law

U

nruly drivers, many of whom manage to get a licence without appearing for a driving test, are a major menace on the roads. These drivers are reckless, change lanes to create traffic congestion on the road, over-speed and have no regard for other road users.

There are many such drivers, but, minibus drivers top the list of most unruly, annoying and a-pain-in-the-neck-drivers. These drivers break traffic laws with impunity and when caught, they cry foul.

These drivers pack people into their minibuses as if they are packing bags of Irish potatoes. When passengers try to protest, they have the audacity to tell them to go hire a car or to keep quiet.

Minibus drivers do their trade as though the law doesn’t apply to them. Thumbs up to the road traffic authorities for reminding them that there are traffic laws that must be respected and adhered to. It’s either they abide by the law or ship out.

The laws governing their business have been there for some time. For instance, minibus drivers and owners know pretty well that they are not supposed to carry more than three people per seat. They instead choose to go against the rule.

It is hard to feel sorry for these drivers and yes, any other reckless driver who is fined for wrongdoing. They are simply paying for their sins. In fact, minibus drivers should not feel as though the law is only targeting them, many motorists are being fined for various traffic offences.

The laissez-faire approach by the authorities in enforcing the laws can be faulted, but certainly one cannot fault them for trying to bring sanity on the roads which have been characterised by chaos and total disregard.

What is needed is to work with the authorities to ensure that the roads are not death traps due to reckless driving. If all motorists played a part in making sure that all traffic laws such as observing the speed limit are followed, maybe somehow, road accidents will be on the decline.

For now, I urge the authorities to fine, even if it means locking up, all unruly drivers. People should learn to follow the rules. If they can’t follow the rules, stay at home and don’t drive. There are rules for using the roads even if you are a pedestrian.

The attitude displayed by minibus drivers is shameful and shows how ignorant they are and also reaffirms that many of them simply buy their driving licences—otherwise any driver who has gone through a driving test knows what they can and cannot do on the road.

Sellina Kainja

Online Editor | Social Media Expert | Earth Journalism Network Fellow | Media Trainer | Columnist

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