Mobile phones can be a lethal weapon when it comes to motoring with the part they often play in causing road traffic accidents being well known. However, in Kenya mobiles are in fact being used to try and reduce the death toll arising as a result of road traffic accidents.
A campaign has been launched in Kenya to target the growing number of young men using motorbikes. An app, which can be downloaded onto smart phones has been developed and will be distributed to increase safety on Kenya’s roads and decrease the number of road traffic accidents.
Road traffic accident deaths are reported to be the third leading cause of premature deaths in Kenya. This cause of death is third only after deaths caused by HIV Aids and malaria.
The phone app provides users with a training manual and set of safety exercises through a number of games. The app also includes first aid exercises and first aid advice.
The app is aimed specifically for the demographic in Kenya who love their mobiles and will be used along with traditional methods of training and teaching. I can not imagine a similar app being sanctioned in this country given the strict rules regarding use of mobiles whilst driving. I hope that the app in Kenya can get the safety messages across and make Kenya’s roads safer.
