Understand key issues a driver should observe on the road

MWANZA: MANY people are unaware that there are essential things a driver must consider while on the road.

The Mwanza Regional Traffic Officer (RTO), Mr Sunday Ibrahim, explained these important points in an exclusive interview with our Mwanza-based reporter, NASHON KENNEDY.

Question: Before a driver starts the vehicle and enters the road, what is the most important thing they should consider?

Answer: First and foremost, the driver must ensure, without any doubt, that they are in good health.

They should not drive while sick or under the influence of alcohol, or after taking any medication that may impair their ability to make sound decisions on the road.

They should also avoid driving when tired or sleepy, and should not drive if they have poor vision, as this could lead to accidents or even death.

Question: Apart from health, what other factors should a driver consider?

Answer: The driver must ensure they have a valid driving licence appropriate for the type of vehicle they are operating, along with all necessary vehicle documents. They should also inspect the vehicle before driving to avoid accidents caused by mechanical faults.

Question: Once on the road, what should a driver do?

Answer: Thank you for the good question. A driver must keep to the left side of the road. They should obey traffic lights, instructions from traffic officers and all road signs and markings.

At intersections controlled by traffic officers, lights, or signs, the driver should give priority to vehicles coming from the right.

Drivers must also be considerate of other road users, use proper signals and avoid excessive speeding beyond the legal limits.

Question: What are the legal speed limits?

Answer: The legal speed limit is not more than 80 km/h for passenger and cargo vehicles and 50 km/h in residential areas, or as indicated by road signs.

Question: What should a driver do when the weather conditions changed?

Answer: The driver must maintain full control of the vehicle while considering weather and road conditions, and exercise caution at all times.

Question: What should a driver do when approaching a pedestrian crossing?

Answer: When approaching a zebra crossing, the driver must slow down or stop to allow pedestrians to cross first.

They should also signal other drivers when slowing down or stopping to avoid causing accidents.

Drivers must be alert to pedestrians who may suddenly cross the road from behind stationary vehicles or other obstructions and be especially cautious near schools, bus stops and hospitals.

When in a line of stationary vehicles, the driver should not leave the queue or overtake on the left to avoid the traffic, as this may cause accidents.

Question: What steps should a driver follow before overtaking another vehicle?

Answer: Before changing lanes or overtaking, the driver must check both oncoming and rear traffic using mirrors to ensure it is safe.

They should only overtake if it can be done safely without endangering themselves or other road users.

Extra caution is required at night or during conditions like fog or mist when visibility is poor.

A driver must overtake from the right side only and exercise caution when returning to the left lane.

Question: What are the responsibilities of a driver being overtaken?

Answer: The driver being overtaken must reduce speed to allow the overtaking vehicle to pass safely, as per Section 50(10) of the Road Traffic Act.

Question: Where is overtaking prohibited?

Answer: Overtaking is prohibited in several situations where it may pose a risk to road users.

These include at pedestrian crossings, intersections, bends and bridges. It is also not allowed where road markings specifically forbid it, on narrow roads, on hills with limited visibility and at railway crossings.

Question: What should a driver do before reverse?

Answer: Before reversing, the driver must ensure there are no obstructions blocking their view.

They should check all directions to confirm no person or object is approaching.

They must not reverse into a main road, as reversing on a main road is prohibited.

Question: How should a driver use vehicle lights?

Answer: A driver should use low-beam headlights in well-lit areas. In areas without sufficient lighting, high beams should be used.

When approaching other vehicles, motorcycles, or bicycles, the driver must dim their lights.

If oncoming lights impair visibility, the driver should slow down or stop. When following another vehicle, headlights should also be dimmed.

During the day, if visibility is poor due to fog, rain, or mist, the driver should turn on headlights to improve visibility and ensure they are seen by other road users.