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Silent risk: Why bodaboda riders remove side mirrors
Many Bodaboda operators rely more on direct observation and quick reflexes than on side mirrors, pausing a serious road safety risk. PHOTO | FILE
What you need to know:
- The issue is much more pervasive in Dar es Salaam where operators cite theft of side mirrors as the reason for riding without them. Others mention traffic jams as another reason.
Dar es Salaam. It is a common sight in Tanzanian cities and towns: Bodaboda operators weaving through traffic without side mirrors.
Despite their vital role in road safety, many riders opt to remove them, citing reasons including economic concerns. The issue is much more pervasive in Dar es Salaam where operators cite theft of side mirrors as the reason for riding without them.
Others mention traffic jams as another reason.
A Buguruni resident, Peter Ngassa, said he finds it more convenient to ride without mirrors, preferring to turn his head to check for approaching vehicles.
“Traffic jams here are chaotic. I turn my head to check instead of using mirrors because sometimes mirrors give a narrow view of what’s behind,” he explained, adding that heavy traffic conditions lead many riders to rely on direct observation rather than mirrors.
Hamis Juma, who operates between Mbezi Makonde and Morocco station, cited theft as a key reason. “I have had my mirrors stolen twice. Now, I just ride without them to avoid losing money,” he said.
A resident of Ubungo, Elias Mollel, shared that when he first learned to ride, his instructor told him side mirrors were unnecessary as long as he remained alert.
Many riders in Tanzania acquire skills informally, learning from experienced riders who may never have used mirrors themselves. This belief perpetuates the idea that mirrors are optional.
A rider along the Kariakoo-Posta route, Ally Juma, argued that side mirrors can be a hindrance in dense traffic.
“When you’re weaving through traffic, side mirrors can easily hit cars or other motorcycles. Without them, I can squeeze through tight spaces without worrying about knocking off a mirror or getting stuck. It helps me drop off passengers quickly and return for another trip. Time is money,” he said.
Road safety experts warn against the practice
Road safety experts, however, strongly oppose this trend. Dar es Salaam’s Road Safety Ambassador, Godfrey Mali, stressed that motorcycles are designed with high safety standards, and side mirrors are essential in preventing accidents.
“Side mirrors serve as the rider’s eyes, and removing them is like taking away their vision. Turning the head while riding is a serious mistake that has contributed to many accidents, often leaving riders trapped under trucks and buses,” he warned.
Mali noted that the practice likely started with a few individuals before spreading widely. While road safety laws emphasise helmets, overloading, and functional brakes, the importance of side mirrors is often overlooked.
Executive Director of Road Safety Ambassador (RSA), Fungo Augustus, echoed these concerns, stating that side mirrors are a crucial safety feature.
“Side mirrors allow riders to focus on the road ahead without needing to turn back. Given the design and handling of motorcycles, turning back while riding can cause loss of control and accidents,” he said.
Augustus also suggested that some riders who remove mirrors may have ulterior motives.
“Many people who remove side mirrors are either criminals or pickpockets trying to evade detection,” he claimed.
Peer influence and risky habits
Mr Joseph Peter, a bodaboda rider with five years of experience, admitted that he removed his mirrors simply because others had done the same. “It has become a style. You see other riders doing it, and you feel like you should do the same. If everyone is riding without mirrors, you don’t want to be the odd one out,” he said.
Despite these justifications, some riders acknowledge the dangers. Daniel Shomari, who operates along the Mwenge-Posta route, conceded that removing mirrors compromises safety.
“Honestly, it is risky, but many of us have gotten used to it. We know how to manoeuvre, but accidents can still happen. Sometimes, a mirror can save you from making a bad move, especially when a car or another motorcycle is approaching unexpectedly,” he admitted.
Calls for professional training
Learning and Evaluation Officer at the Vocational Education and Training Authority (VETA) in Dodoma, Kisembe Kaapele, emphasised that side mirrors are vital for safety. He noted that professionally trained riders understand their necessity.
“A properly trained motorcycle rider cannot ride comfortably without side mirrors. We frequently organise one-week driving courses at a cost of Sh10,000 to Sh30,000, but attendance remains low,” he said.
Mr Kaapele added that VETA has been conducting outreach programmes at motorcycle stations to raise awareness about the importance of mirrors, helmets, and functional brakes.
VETA’s Public Relations Manager, Sitta Peter, acknowledged a significant gap in safety awareness.
“Most bodaboda riders who remove their side mirrors and ride without helmets have not attended driving schools like VETA. That is why we have launched a nationwide campaign to improve safety awareness,” he said.
As the number of motorcycles on Dar es Salaam’s roads continues to rise, addressing these safety concerns is crucial to reducing accidents and protecting both riders and other road users.
