NAIROBI, Kenya – The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has cautioned motorists against driving while exhausted, warning that fatigue remains one of the most overlooked but deadly causes of road crashes in Kenya.
In a road safety advisory issued on Tuesday, the authority said tired drivers suffer impaired reaction time, poor judgment and reduced awareness — risks it described as comparable to driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
NTSA noted that fatigued motorists are more likely to drift out of their lanes, misjudge distances, ignore traffic signs or fall asleep at the wheel, often with fatal consequences.
“Fatigue impairs reaction time, judgment and awareness,” the authority said, adding that exhaustion continues to feature prominently in serious crashes, particularly along major highways.
According to NTSA, accidents linked to driver fatigue are common during early morning hours, late at night or after prolonged periods of uninterrupted driving, when alertness is naturally reduced.
The authority said long-distance buses, trucks and private vehicles are among the most affected, citing pressure on drivers to meet tight travel schedules and cover long distances without adequate rest.
Motorists were urged to get sufficient sleep before embarking on any journey, especially long trips or night travel, and to plan ahead by factoring in regular rest stops.
“Take regular breaks during your trip to stretch, hydrate and refresh,” NTSA advised. “If you feel tired, do not attempt to push on. Pull over at a safe place and rest.”
NTSA also appealed to transport operators to enforce strict work-rest schedules for drivers and to abandon unrealistic timelines that encourage overworking and speeding.
Employers, the authority said, have a responsibility to prioritise safety over profit by ensuring drivers are well rested before taking to the road.
Passengers were equally urged to play an active role in road safety by speaking up if a driver appears drowsy, unwell or fatigued, noting that requesting a stop for rest could prevent tragedy.
“Fatigue kills, but it is preventable,” NTSA said, reiterating that road safety is a shared responsibility. “Arriving late is always better than not arriving at all.”
The warning comes as NTSA steps up efforts to curb road fatalities, which remain a major public safety concern across the country.
