A partnership between AA Kenya and KCA University expected to improve road safety awareness among the youth
By Kevin Mwalimu
For many young people, road trips have become popular pastimes. They have gained popularity for their daring nature, especially when travelling outside of town. Road trips allow for bonding and entertainment.
In most cases, planning a road trip entails gathering friends for a long drive. Among the most popular destinations are Naivasha, Nakuru, Nanyuki, and Mombasa.
Road trips, on the other hand, come with an inherent risk: it is easy for a group of young people with money to spend and a car to become overwhelmed by excitement and fun. The risk increases if they use alcohol or other drugs while on the trip. This is due to the fact that alcohol and substance abuse impair judgment and concentration.
Most dangerous drivers are unaware of the dangers they pose to other road users. Driving under the influence of drugs is a crime in Kenya. Drunk driving carries serious consequences. Errors in decision-making have the potential to cause a serious crash.
Between January and July of this year, approximately 2,696 people died in road accidents, according to data from the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA). About 957 pedestrians, 247 drivers, 471 passengers, 245 pillion passengers, 35 pedal cyclists, and 741 motorcyclists are among them. The majority of crashes are blamed on careless and drunk driving, according to authorities.
This is why I applaud the Automobile Association of Kenya and KCA University’s collaboration. This collaboration has arrived at the ideal time.
KCA students will be able to train at AA Kenya at a reduced rate under the terms of the agreement. AA Kenya will also train University staff and students in road safety.
This means that KCA students will be aware of road safety from the start of their driver training. AA Kenya representatives emphasized the importance of incorporating road safety into learner driving courses during the partnership signing ceremony.
Road safety is a shared responsibility. One of the components is proper driver training. The importance of safe driving habits in preventing traffic accidents cannot be overstated. This collaboration will increase driver safety awareness. They will be able to keep themselves and other road users safe from the hazards of car accidents.
This new collaboration will instil a culture of road safety within the university community. Motorists will be subjected to the same culture. However, there is more.
KCA University, for its part, has a chance to incorporate road safety into the curriculum of its various courses. This can be accomplished by offering a course on road safety or by conducting safety awareness campaigns within the institution.
The best part of the collaboration is that KCA University students, particularly new drivers, will receive road safety tips. They can transfer the tips to other young drivers in their circles.
The author is a student at KCA University.