Bodaboda operators in Meru county have been sensitized on road safely and first aid technics ahead of this year’s Christmas festivities.
Youths for Boy Child group has been traversing various bodaboda parking stages training the operators on road safety.
Kenton Mutethia, the group founder said the aim is to reduce cases of road accidents usually witnessed during the festive period.
“We appeal to bodaboda operators countrywide to observe road safely measures during this season. They should also know that in the event they are involved in accidents they are the ones who suffer they most,” he said.
Mutethia also donated reflector jackets to riders at Nchiru market where students at Meru University of Science and Technology (MUST) said they would partner with the group with the view to empower the boy-child.
On his part, Patrick Mwangi, director Bidii driving school urged the operators to adhere to traffic rules and ensure they are safe by wearing protective clothing.
Mwangi also aked those who did jot have rider’s license to obtain the document so that they don’t get into trouble with the authorities. “Last year over 4,000 people lost their lives due to road accidents especially during festivities. When you ride, always be keen and ensure other road users can see you. If you cannot see them know that you’re not also being seen. Any time a life is lost the ones who suffer are those left behind by the deceased,” he said.
He said Bidii driving school would partner with all road users to ensure traffic rules were adhered to with the aim of reducing road carnage.
Julius Thiaine a bodaboda operator at Nchiru market in Tigania west subcounty commended the organization’s sensitization initiative, noting that many bodaboda operators do not understand safely rules.
He called on the government and other non-governmental organizations to hold such activities with the view of educating bodaboda operators.
“We are vulnerable because when accidents occur we are the ones who are blamed. Some motorists don’t care about our safety and we must always be careful so that we don’t suffer,” he said.
