NTSA Urges Drivers to Communicate Intentions Before Overtaking on Major Highways

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has renewed its call for heightened driver discipline, specifically targeting the mechanics of safe overtaking as festive season travel peaks.

The authority is urging motorists to adopt a protocol of early communication, instructing drivers to indicate their intentions well in advance and confirm the road is clear before committing to a pass.

This advisory comes as part of a wider multi-agency effort to stabilize road safety during a period historically marked by increased traffic volumes and a higher incidence of head-on collisions.

Data released this month reveals a concerning trend in road safety performance. Between January 1 and early December 2024, 4,458 people lost their lives in road crashes across the country, an increase from the 4,311 deaths recorded during the same period in 2023.

Pedestrians and motorcyclists remain the most vulnerable groups, though authorities have noted that a high percentage of fatal incidents involve private and public service vehicles on major transit corridors like the Nairobi–Nakuru–Eldoret highway.

Road safety officials have identified poor lane discipline and reckless overtaking as primary drivers of recent carnage. NTSA has stressed that maintaining consistent road positioning and avoiding unnecessary weaving are critical to preventing accidents.

Administration has activated a national multi-agency command centre. This initiative coordinates the efforts of the NTSA and the National Police Service Traffic Department, deploying compliance teams along high-risk routes.

The government maintains that while infrastructure and enforcement are being strengthened, individual driver behavior remains the most significant factor in road safety.

Drivers are being cautioned that a single error in judgment during an overtaking maneuver can result in catastrophic head-on collisions, particularly on narrow road sections that require reduced speeds and extreme patience.