Kratos wrote:I fully support the need for change in our road usage rules and etiquette but this new laws are just ridiculous.
Agree.
Kratos wrote:I fully support the need for change in our road usage rules and etiquette but this new laws are just ridiculous.
Case in point
Careless driving or driving without regard to other road users - Fine not exceeding one hundred thousand shillings (Kshs.100,000)
So if a corrupt policeman/woman decides that you are driving carelessly what evidence do both of you present to the court? Do you think you will get witnesses to back you up against trumped up charges?
Most cases of careless or reckless driving would involve more than one party. So witnesses would not be limited to the policeman/woman alone.
Kratos wrote:
Lets get realistic,
1. Most vehicles on the roads are on loan so where will the the guy get cash to pay? Take another loan to service the trumped up charges? Which is easier part with 5k to "pay" for the charges or go to court and risk 100k fine?
The fine is maximum. So in as much as the 'early adopter' offenders would probably get hit with the maximum fines nothing would stop the Magistrates from fining one say 5k based on the mitigating circumstances. Of course it would also be an avenue for Magistrates to 'eat'. In Kenya people always find ways to 'eat'.
Kratos wrote:
2. Which employer will give you time to be attending traffic court cases
Are you saying that it is okay to commit traffic offences and get away with it without inconveniences like defending yourself in court if you are innocent? And if guilty you would rather just pay a reasonable fine and life continues? You know minor things like careless driving, reckless driving, speeding, driving under the influence, etc actually lead to death or serious bodily harm in many instances? Unfortunately very few drivers on our roads realise what a dangerous thing they are trusted to be in charge of when licensed to drive on our roads.
Kratos wrote:3. Are hefty fines and penalties going to make the police less corrupt?
Unfortunately not. Our law makers are unfortunately clueless. In fact now with every policeman mandated to enforce the Traffic Act it would only increase.
Kratos wrote:
To me this laws were not well thought out. We need a complete overhaul of the traffic system to cover all processes not just on the road user end.
We do not need to reinvent the wheel. Countries like UAE have extremely successful traffic laws and its not because of hefty fines. No police there will chase you around nor will the courts come looking for you for a traffic offense. You will present yourself whether you like it or not.
Totally agree. And while at it they should also enforce the law on pedestrians.
He who can express in words the ardour of his love, has but little love to express. - Petrach, Son. (That men by various ways arrive at the same end. - Montaigne, The Essays of.)