EPRA issues safety advisory on fuel tankers to prevent accidents

By Robert Mutasi

The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority, EPRA, Kenya has issued a critical safety advisory on the dangers blind spots around fuel tankers pose to other road users on Kenyan roads.

The advisory by EPRA emphasizes that all road users, especially small vehicles, ought to be aware of their positions to reduce the rate of collision with big vehicles.

According to EPRA, fuel tankers have enormous blind spots on all sides, the right side being the most dangerous.

This space is nearly out of the driver's view, and it is hard for him to keep track of smaller vehicles.

Thus, the chance of sideswipe collision enhances, especially during lane change where drivers of smaller vehicles may miscalculate the availability of space.

Blind spots on tankers create a very serious danger for other road users. Drivers of smaller vehicles need to be aware of these blind spots and avoid them to prevent accidents.

For this, EPRA advises motorists not to stay in the blind spots of a tanker, especially during overtaking.

They are advised to move quickly and carefully so they are visible to the tanker driver to avoid sideswipe accidents and improve safety on the road.

"Let's all stay alert and share the road responsibly," EPRA urged. The advisory also acts as a warning to all drivers to remain patient and careful on the highways and busy roads while on the wheel, more so when there are tankers on the road.

EPRA has encouraged motorists to forward incidents they witness or have information on for more details on how to observe safety on Kenyan roads.

Concerned persons can visit the official website of EPRA at www.epra.go.ke or telephone the agency directly on 0709 336 000.

With the increase in the transportation demand, EPRA will continue to insist on the use of roads more responsibly.

Through building awareness and promoting responsible road-sharing, it seeks to reduce accidents and improve the safety of all users.

This advisory by EPRA has come at an opportune time when there is an increasing need for the motorist community to work in collaboration with the regulatory authorities toward safer Kenyan roads.