Kenya’s Roadside Safety Guide: 10 Tips for Emergency Situations
Navigating roadside emergencies in Kenya demands proactive planning and vigilance. Understanding potential risks, including natural disasters, criminal tactics, and terrorism, is vital. Bag snatchers and carjackers on motorbikes pose additional threats.
Fortunately,
on-demand security services like AURA which make use of smart technology, offer rapid assistance at your GPS location. In this article, we unpack 10 practical ways to ensure your safety during roadside emergencies in Kenya.
- Ensure Visibility: After pulling over, immediately turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers that you need help. If it’s dark outside, also turn on your interior dome light and use your high beams to enhance visibility.
- Enhance Personal Safety: Particularly in low visibility conditions like nighttime, wearing reflective vests or brightly coloured clothing can not only make you visible to other drivers but also serve as a deterrent against potential criminals.
- Watch out for road conditions: Some roads in Kenya may have potholes, uneven surfaces, or lack proper signage. Pay attention to road conditions and be prepared for sudden changes in road quality when pulling over or making any unexpected stops.
- Be cautious of wildlife: Kenya is home to various wildlife, and they can sometimes wander onto the roads, especially in rural or safari areas. Stay vigilant, especially during dawn and dusk, to reduce the risk of danger when pulling over.
- Follow local advice and warnings: If you’re travelling to remote or rural areas, inquire about the road conditions and security situation from local authorities or reputable sources. Heed their advice and warnings.
- Mind the weather conditions: Weather in Kenya can be unpredictable, often leading to heavy rains that cause flooding and create slippery roads. If you find yourself driving in heavy rain, it’s crucial to reduce your speed and seek safe spots to pull over in the case of an emergency.
- Keep Your Doors Locked: In Kenya, criminals sometimes use fake police, hotel, or government identification. To stay safe, keep your doors locked, especially if you’re pulled over to the side of the road. Wait for help inside your car.
- Be Cautious About Accepting Help: It’s best to call professionals or trusted friends/family for help. If strangers help, exercise caution, and lower your window just enough to communicate.
- Familiarise yourself with emergency numbers: Save the local emergency numbers in your phone and know how to contact roadside assistance and local authorities in case of an emergency.
- Use On-Demand Security Services: Better yet, access instant emergency response services via some of Kenya’s largest and most trusted brands and organisations. With smart technology like AURA, you can request help at the touch of a button, and responders will be directed to your exact location via GPS within minutes.
Understanding these risks allows you to take appropriate precautions and act swiftly when faced with unexpected situations. Fortunately, advancements in technology have also introduced new solutions to enhance your safety.
On-demand security services like those powered by AURA, provide an unparalleled level of protection during roadside emergencies.
Author: Andrew Kathika | General Manager | AURA Kenya
