This archive report was first published on 21 November 2019.
On November 21, 2019, the world commemorated World Day of Remembrance for road traffic victims, with the theme 'Life is not a car part.'
According to the Global Status Report on Road Safety by the World Health Organisation (WHO), a majority of road deaths occur in developing countries. In Kenya, between 3,000 and 13,000 people lose their lives in road traffic crashes every year, with nearly one-third of these deaths being among passengers.
Passenger safety is a critical component in the fight against road traffic accidents in the public transport sector. The introduction of ride-hailing services has increased convenience and enhanced compliance with regulations, thereby improving safety nets.
Ride-hailing firms have implemented measures to ensure passenger safety, including vetting vehicles for road worthiness and providing dedicated customer support teams. Additionally, access to SOS emergency buttons and emergency tracking options has greatly improved rider and driver safety on the roads.
As the country manager of Bolt Kenya, I believe that passenger safety is a key component in public transportation. By working together with stakeholders and corporate bodies, we can enhance awareness and foster healthy collaboration to mitigate the growing trend of road accidents.
