DODOMA: TANZANIA is set to tighten its road safety regulations as the government finalises a bill to amend the 1973 Road Safety Act’s key provisions including a mandatory helmet law for both motorcycle riders and passengers.
Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Daniel Sillo announced the plan in the National Assembly yesterday while responding to a basic question from Special Seats MP Asha Abdallah Juma (CCM), who urged the government to enforce helmetwearing for motorcycle riders and passengers.
He said the proposed amendment aims to close a gap in the existing law, which does not currently enforce helmet use for motorcycle passengers, even as traffic accidents involving motorcycles continue to pose significant risks.
“The current law has limitations,” Mr Sillo said.
“This amendment will make it mandatory for both the rider and passenger to wear helmets, aiming to enhance safety and reduce fatalities,” He assured legislators that this issue had been considered in the latest review, which is now in the final stages of preparation for parliamentary presentation.
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In response to a related question, Special Seats MP Amina Ali Mzee (CCM) wanted to know when the government would introduce better legal frameworks and coordination to minimise road accidents resulting from driver negligence.
Mr Sillo highlighted ongoing efforts by the Tanzania Police Force’s Traffic Division, which currently relies on the 1973 Road Safety Act, last revised in 2002, to manage road safety issues.
He said that the government has gathered input from stakeholders on the bill, which will be presented to the National Assembly in the coming sessions. Additional legislative measures to address driver negligence and ensure compliance are being developed, Mr Sillo added.
He said that irresponsible drivers face punitive measures, including license revocation and legal action.
“The government’s strategy to tackle road accidents is to amend this law comprehensively to address these challenges,” he said.
In a follow-up question, Kinondoni MP Abbas Tarimba (CCM) called on the government to address the “chaotic” conduct of some bodaboda operators, citing a recent accident involving an MP.
Responding, he urged road users to adhere strictly to traffic laws to prevent accidents, reinforcing that the forthcoming amendment would enhance enforcement capabilities.
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