Road Safety Crisis in Tanzania: Experts, public want immediate action

Dar es Salaam. A recent surge in road accidents, fueled by negligence, overspeeding, alcohol consumption, reckless overtaking, and traffic law violations, has prompted urgent calls for action.

In December alone, three fatal accidents in Mikese (Morogoro), Handeni (Tanga Region), and Rombo (Kilimanjaro Region) resulted in significant loss of life.

A collision between a lorry and a minibus on the Morogoro-Dar es Salaam Highway killed 14 and injured eight.

Two crashes in Handeni District claimed 19 lives, and another accident in Rombo on December 26 left nine dead.

These tragedies not only inflict emotional damage on families but also rob the country of essential human resources vital for development.

Road safety advocate Mr Msangi Ramadhan criticized gaps in Tanzania’s Road Traffic Act, particularly the insufficient Sh30,000 fines, which he said fail to deter offenders.

“Stricter penalties, such as lifetime driving bans for repeat offenders, are necessary,” he stressed.

Mr Ramadhan also pointed to the unsatisfactory alcohol-testing tools and urged the police to increase their presence, especially during holidays in high-risk areas.

"Thorough vehicle inspections are crucial for ensuring roadworthiness,” he added, also proposing the provision of weather and breakdown updates to travelers to help reduce accidents.

Dar es Salaam resident Mr Goodluck Komba highlighted the role of vehicle owners in promoting safe driving.

He noted that unrealistic schedules often pressure drivers to speed, leading to reckless behaviour.

“Some owners demand that drivers be the first to arrive at their final destinations, heightening the risk of accidents,” Mr Komba said.

He also called for mandatory alcohol testing devices for traffic officers and strict penalties for offenders, including journey cancellations and license revocations.

Ms Flora Msangi from Tanga pointed out the role of corrupt traffic officers in exacerbating the crisis.

She said despite traffic law violations, some officers accept bribes to allow drivers to continue their journeys.

“Passengers must report these incidents to ensure swift action against corrupt officials,” she urged, adding that implicated officers should be penalized without impunity.

Tanzania’s Traffic Police commander, William Mkonda, addressed journalists in Dodoma, on December 27, 2024, revealing that recent accidents were caused by a combination of different factors including overspeeding, careless overtaking, and ignoring safety precautions.

Mr Mkonda, who is newly appointed, emphasised the need for stricter enforcement of road safety laws.

He instructed regional, district, and traffic officers to conduct day-and-night operations to identify and take immediate action against reckless drivers.

This includes tackling speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol, and other dangerous behaviors.

“We will arrest and detain drivers who commit dangerous violations and ensure they face legal action,” said Mr Mkonda in a statement shared to The Citizen.

He also revealed that 14 drivers had their licenses revoked in just two days for driving under the influence and speeding.

Additionally, he said 16,324 drivers were arrested and fined for various violations.

The Land Transport Regulatory Authority (Latra) Director of Road and Transport, Mr Johansen Kahatano, announced that effective 2025, a new certification program for lorry drivers will be introduced to improve safety compliance.

He explained that the program aims to address driver negligence, as the current Vehicles Tracking System (VTS) could be ineffective if poorly managed.

“We are enhancing monitoring by installing cameras on buses and lorries in upcountry routes,” said Mr Kahatano.