The Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) has advised motorists to take precautions and avoid accidents caused by human error.

RTSA Public Relations Manager, Mukela Mangolwa, says the public should take interest in reporting erring motorists to help reduce road accidents.  

Speaking to ZANIS in an interview in Lusaka Mr Mangolwa said road safety should not be left to RTSA and the police but that it requires collaborative efforts from all stakeholders.

“As a citizen, whenever you observe a wrong doing, report to RTSA so that we can take action before an accident happens,” he said.

Mr Mangolwa reiterated the need to observe speed limits in the rainy season as the roads become slippery.

“We are heading into the rainy season and the roads become very slippery during this period. It is important that you observe the speed limit and ensure that you don’t drink and drive,” Mr Mangolwa said.

He also noted that as the festive season approaches, motorists should take precautions as the roads get busy.

Mr Mangolwa said that RTSA has also implemented a fleet safety management programme to regulate public transporters.

“This requires operators to acquire a road service license adding that non-compliance results in not getting the license.

He also added that the agency has set up a unit that will be responsible to carry out inspections to ensure that operators are complying with the requirements.

“For instance one of the requirements they need is to install GPS on the vehicles, but what we have found out is that these public transporters only install GPS when they come for inspections at our offices after that they switch them off,” Mr Mangolwa said.

He added that the fleet safety management guidelines will allow public transporters to take responsibility for their fleet.

Mr Mangolwa added that the agency is not sitting idle but it is ensuring that all issues are well checked and implemented.