Explainer: What to do if your car breaks down along the Nakuru-Eldoret highway

The recent Ngata road accident that claimed seven lives has added to the long list of road accidents that have been witnessed along the Nakuru-Eldoret highway and more specifically the Ngata black spot. 

Many reasons have been given for the road carnage along this stretch, some of which include speeding, reckless overtaking and unroadworthy vehicles. 

But what most locals agree on is that vehicles that have broken down on the side of the road and are left there for long periods of time are the main reason why motorists are at a high risk of getting into an accident.

In fact, those who witnessed the Ngata accident say that the main cause of the accident was a vehicle parked haphazardly on the side of the road.

Had it not been for the truck, the chances of this horrific accident occurring would have been minimal. 

So why is it so common to see broken down trucks along the Nakuru-Eldoret highway? 

Here is an explainer of why and what you can do about it

1.What the law says about broken down vehicles on the road. 

According to the Traffic Act, where any vehicle has been left on a road or other public place in circumstances which make it appear that such vehicle has been abandoned or should be removed to a place of safety, or where any vehicle has been left on a road in a position which causes or is likely to cause danger to other road users and the owner or driver cannot be readily found, it is lawful for any police officer or inspector to take the vehicle or cause it to be taken to a police station. 

According to the Traffic Act, the cost of towing these vehicles will be charged to the owner of the towed vehicle and the vehicle will be released to the owner. Locals say, the vehicle in question had been parked on the side of the road for more than 48 hours. They the traffic police for not doing their job as clearly stated in the traffic law. 

2. Where to get a tow truck. 

Speaking to Samuel Kariuki, the National Chairman of the Kenya Driving School Association, there are so many tow trucks that are easily accessible. 
"Many of these tow trucks are usually located at different points on the main highway and are therefore easily accessible to all parties. The only difference is that they have different tariffs, some more expensive than others. A large number of the tow trucks are accessible to the police in case of an emergency involving cars that have broken down on the side of the road". 

3. Why traffic police take time to remove a broken down vehicle.

Nakuru West Sub County Police Commander, Francis Wahome, says it is the police's mandate to enforce the Traffic Act and in the event of a vehicle breaking down, they would not come immediately to tow the car away but give it enough time before acting. 

"It is only when a car is in a risky place and causing an obstruction that we would come in and act immediately. If a vehicle breaks down on a bridge, on a hill or on a bend, we would immediately step in and tow the vehicle, but in cases where the vehicle is not in a very risky place, we would give the driver enough time to try to fix it. Another challenge is that some vehicles cannot be towed once they have stalled because they have hydraulic systems".

4.How to get help in the event of a breakdown. 

According to Mr Wahome, there are a lot of tow trucks available, but in the event of a breakdown and you need police assistance, you can always contact them through their emergency lines. 
"We also understand that it is not the driver's fault if a car breaks down, so in the event of such a breakdown, especially along the Nakuru-Eldoret highway, we have Ngata Police Station, Baraka Patrol Base and Kaptembwa Police Station and we will be able to coordinate and get assistance to the people."