RESEARCH shows that road traffic accidents are not only caused by human error but also mechanical failure of motor vehicles and the state of the roads.
Even though human error is often cited as a contributing factor in most vehicle crashes, the recent road traffic accident statistics report indicates that a considerable number of collisions in Zambia over the past years were caused by motor vehicles in poor operating conditions.
Significant numbers of public service vehicles are among the critical and risk vehicles with multiple violations. This scenario has pushed the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) to over the years implement vigorous measures to enhance motor vehicle examination for roadworthiness.
Mechanical failure due to poor roadworthiness of a motor vehicle can cause road accidents due to failure of breaks, locked steering wheel, tyre burst and any other failure that could be questioned as having instigated the car not to perform as normal.
The state of the vehicle is the other cause of road accidents apart from human error and road conditions. Therefore, the need for safer vehicles on the Zambian roads is paramount in reducing the number of road traffic crashes.
The RTSA as a lead institution on road safety management in the country is ensuring that there is no un-roadworthy vehicles on the roads through a well-structured screening method.
Some vehicles are very old and unmaintained on the roads. Some vehicles have defects that could cause accidents. There should be no compromise when it comes to un-roadworthy vehicles being on the road.
These are problems that regular vehicle inspections and maintenance may be able to identify before they become problems that cause or contribute to crashes.
The legal responsibility
Regular vehicle inspections and maintenance are the legal responsibility of any entity or person or owner or driver of a motor vehicle. It is an offence under the Road Traffic Act No.11 of 2002 for anyone to drive a motor vehicle on the public road without a valid Certificate of Fitness.
Therefore, vehicle roadworthiness tests are compulsory and establish technical suitability of the vehicles to be driven on public roads.
The road worthiness test of motor vehicles and trailers, with the exception of motor cultivators, labour machinery and public service vehicles for the passengers and goods must be performed at least once a year. Public Service Vehicles for passengers are tested every quarter.
A roadworthy test must be carried out every year on vehicles over five years old. Vehicle roadworthiness tests can be carried out by the RTSA and selected local authorities.
Failure to comply, or losing proof that the examinations have been carried out, may result in a fine of K300.00. It is the car owner’s responsibility to ensure that the vehicle is tested when it is due.
For motor vehicles or trailers whose road worthiness test has been established as qualifying, disks are issued indicating that the validity of the vehicle roadworthiness test.
How much does a road worthiness test cost?
All roadworthy tests cost K48.80 regardless of size or make of the vehicle. To find the nearest RTSA test centre and selected local authorities call the Agency Call Centre the toll free line 983.
The benefits
A comprehensive vehicle examination for roadworthiness makes a huge difference. Doing this regularly as provided by the law will save money and time later on, plus, you won’t have to worry about being fined for not getting your vehicle examination for roadworthiness test done or other possible consequences for not doing so.
The RTSA examiners follow a series of checkpoints to find out if the vehicle is safe enough to be on a public road especially the highway.
After all, highways call for faster speeds, and at higher speeds, any potential problems could lead to a tragic road crash if anything should happen to the motor vehicle.
What does RTSA check for?
A vehicle undergoes comprehensive testing to ensure that it is mechanically safe to be driven and that the following are in proper working order:
- Tyres;
- Lights;
- Braking System;
4 Chassis and structure; - Fire safety equipment;
- Exhaust system;
- Steering; and
The following should also be in a motor vehicle and may be checked. - Two warning triangles;
- First Aid Kit
11.Protective gloves
Failing the test proof of testing
If a vehicle fails a test, it is vital that the repairs listed on the defect list are carried out as soon as possible. When the vehicle has passed the test a circular disk is issued indicating the period of validity.
Inspection and maintenance costs vs. crash costs
Many may believe that fixing or replacing faulty equipment is more expensive and time consuming than inspecting and maintaining it, but that is far from true.
In fact, when you take into account potentially increased insurance costs assessment fees, vehicle replacement costs and lost productivity, inspection and maintenance costs are minimal in comparison.
Act now
With all the factors that might possibly converge to result in a crash, regular vehicle inspections and maintenance are the most reliable and effective way to guard against a mechanical issue being a contributor, or a cause of a road traffic crash.
*The author is Head – Public Relations
Road Transport and Safety Agency
Email: fmubanga@rtsa.org.zm
Website: www.rtsa.org.zm
Road Traffic Crashes contributory factors
RTSA mechanized motor vehicle inspection equipment
Ten Miles road traffic accident in which five (5) people died and 12 sustained serious injuries was caused by driver negligence and mechanical failure.
