As schools resume for the first term of 2025 this week and next, a surge in activities is expected, accompanied by increased traffic volume and potential traffic violations that may lead to road crashes.
The spokesperson for the Traffic and Road Safety Directorate, Michael Kananura, emphasized that the safety of children on the roads is a top priority for all involved parties.
He stressed that ensuring road safety is a collective responsibility that necessitates joint efforts, especially in safeguarding “our children” as they navigate the roads.
“In light of the same, the Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety wishes to remind students, parents, guardians, motorists, and school administrators of their critical roles and responsibilities in ensuring road safety,” he added.
He called upon all stakeholders to follow the essential guidelines aimed at preventing road accidents involving school-aged children.
Motorists are advised to reduce their speed in the vicinity of schools and pedestrian crossings, remain vigilant for children crossing the streets, adhere to speed limits (30 km/h in urban areas and school zones), minimize distractions while driving—particularly the use of mobile phones—avoid driving on road shoulders, refrain from overloading passengers, and practice patience and discipline on the roads.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to provide helmets for students and cyclists, ensure the use of safe and reliable school transportation, monitor loading practices, accompany younger children to and from school, educate children on road safety, and supervise children under 12 years old when riding motorcycles.
Students are advised to utilize designated taxi and boda-boda stops, stay alert and avoid distractions while walking or crossing streets, travel in groups and cross roads in a single file, use recognized taxis with checkered bands, avoid entering vehicles with tinted windows, wear crash helmets when riding motorcycles, walk on the right side facing oncoming traffic, cross at zebra crossings when available, carefully check for traffic before crossing (right, left, and right again), and refrain from running while crossing streets.
Educational institutions are being encouraged to prioritize the creation of secure environments, establish designated crossing areas, provide road safety education for students, work in partnership with local authorities, oversee student drop-off and pick-up zones, and utilize flags to signal drivers.
Kananura has called on drivers to refrain from dangerous overtaking, adhere to speed regulations, use seatbelts, remain alert, and report any instances of reckless driving.
