Adhere to code

THE government has already established the Highway Code, which is a set of rules and advice on how to use our roads. This code, which is based on road traffic law and good driving practice, is unfortunately not thoroughly known to our motorists, especially passenger bus drivers.

Most of us know that conflicts are inherent in any road traffic system, but if we all adopt the same rules when on the road and behave in a considerate and responsible manner towards others, our road travel will be safer and less stressful.

Our drivers ought to understand that the Highway Code is of particular interest to drivers, because they need to know it in order to drive vehicles on our roads as per the established laws and regulations.

Various organisations, including the Tanzania Media Women’s Organisations (TAMWA), have enhanced programmes to guarantee road safety and ensure drivers read the Highway Code in order to refresh their knowledge of the rules.

TAMWA is convinced that the Highway Code contains much useful advice for pedestrians, cyclists and other vulnerable road users which can help both pedestrians and drivers to behave in a considerate and careful manner.

We are sure that if everyone follows the code, there will be less crashes and fewer traffic jams. Drivers should read the code because it is a mixture of rules which are a simple interpretation of the complex provisions of the Road Traffic Act and associated regulations.

If drivers disobey them, they are committing an offence and if caught and convicted, they may be fined and disqualified from driving as the law suggests.