The Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) has advised all road users to take road regulations seriously as schools have re-opened.
According to a press release issued by RTSA Acting Public Relations Officer Mukela Mangolwa, the agency urged motorists and Public Service Vehicles (PSVs) drivers to follow road safety rules and regulations.
“The Agency anticipates an increase in road users as schools have re-opened, and thus a lot of people will be using and operating on the roads hence the emphasis on maintaining road safety,” Mr. Mangolwa said.
Mangolwa also urged parents and guardians to ensure that learners use appropriate vehicles that are licenced.
“With the recent cases of abductions and the missing of children, it is important to pay attention to the cars the learners get on,” he said.
Mr. Mangolwa further advised members of the public to report road users that do not follow road safety and regulations by calling the RTSA National Call Center.
“RTSA will be on high alert to ensure motorists do not overload and break the traffic rules and regulations,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Bus and Taxi Drivers Association of Zambia President Amis Daudi urged drivers to exercise caution when driving on the road.
Mr. Daudi said all drivers should be considerate of other road users and practice decent driving while on the road.
“Safety is about taking care of each and every road user,” he said.
He further said road safety regulations should be followed everyday and not just when the road is busy.
And Arthur Mutale a traffic officer at Road Development Agency (RDA), added that road users who do not follow road safety rules will be charged accordingly by relevant authorities.
“Because some motorists do not give chance to pedestrians like children, that is why RTSA has put up speed humps, pedestrian crossing and speed limits,” he said.
Mr. Mutale added that RDA and RTSA are working hand in hand to make sure that public service vehicles follow all road regulations to ensure the safety of other road users.