SINGIDA: DRIVERS have been urged to drive cautiously and avoid consumption of alcohol while on the road. Authorities have emphasised that such practices impair focus and increase the likelihood of accidents, which often result in fatalities and damage of properties.
Speaking during a routine vehicle inspection along the Singida-Dodoma highway, a vehicle inspector from the Singida Regional Traffic Division, Police Sergeant Herman Chumi, said that drivers play a pivotal role in ensuring road safety, particularly during the festive season.
“Drivers of family vehicles must remember they carry the lives of their loved ones in their hands. Alcohol and other intoxicants jeopardise their ability to make sound decisions on the road,” he said.
Sergeant Chumi urged drivers to maintain vigilance, especially as roads become busier during the end-of-year celebrations.
He said, negligence on the road does not just harm the driver; it has devastating consequences for families and communities.
Adding to this appeal, Police Corporal Oscar Mhagama from the Traffic Safety Unit in Singida District and the region called on drivers to adhere strictly to traffic laws.
“Drivers should avoid overtaking without taking proper precautions and must strictly observe speed limits as stipulated by the law. Such measures not only protect their lives but also save the lives of others sharing the road,” he said.
Meanwhile, Morogoro Regional Police Commander, Alex Mkama has reported the arrest of two drivers found driving under the influence of alcohol during New Year’s Eve. The two were arrested during patrols that were carried out to ensure road safety.
“Intoxication significantly contributes to the rise in fatalities caused by road accidents involving motor vehicles. Drivers must prioritise sobriety to protect their lives and those of others on the road,” RPC Mkama said.
The first suspect was identified as Christopher Daniel Sanga (37), a driver and resident of Kiwalani, Dar es Salaam. Sanga holds licence number 4000284390 and was driving a freight truck with registration number T 924 EJU and trailer number T976 EJU, owned by ZJBT Investment Limited.
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He was en route to Congo from Dar es Salaam when officers measured his alcohol level and found it was at 259.1 mg/100 ml.
“The second driver is Francis Wilbert Mpanda (39), a resident of Yombo, Dar es Salaam, who was found to be operating without a valid driver’s licence. Mpanda was caught driving a freight truck with registration number T440 EEM, a Sino Truck Box Body owned by Bakhresa Food Production Ltd,” he added.
He was heading to Ifakara from Dar es Salaam with an alcohol level of 555.4 mg/100 ml. The suspects were apprehended at different times by officers on patrol in Lyovi, Ruhembe Police District and Mkambarani, Morogoro District.
He added, “licences confiscated have been suspended to pave the way for preliminary investigations so that further legal action can be instituted.”
