Why motorcycle, tricycle riders must follow traffic rules to curb accidents

Dar es Salaam. Motorcycle and tricycle riders, popularly known as bodaboda and bajaj operators, are being urged to strictly observe traffic laws to help reduce the rising number of road accidents involving these vehicles across Tanzania.

The appeal follows the launch of a national road safety awareness Oryx Energies Campaign, Chuma kwa Chuma Sio Poa (Metal Against Metal Is Not Cool), which aims to instil safer riding habits among operators.

Held in Dar es Salaam on Saturday, July 19, 2025, the launch featured the handover of solar-powered booths to the traffic police.

The structures provide officers with shelter and lighting, enabling them to enforce traffic regulations more effectively, even at night.

Speaking at the launch, a senior Traffic Police Force official, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Joseph Mwakabonga, emphasised the importance of the campaign in promoting road safety among bodaboda and bajaj riders.

“This campaign by Oryx Energies Tanzania to offer road safety education to bodaboda riders is an initiative every Tanzanian should support,” said ACP Mwakabonga.

“We commend Oryx Energies for recognising the importance of educating our brothers and sisters operating in the bodaboda and bajaj sector,” he added.

He said the campaign targets a widespread disregard for traffic laws among riders, which remains a leading cause of road accidents in the country.

By improving awareness and education, authorities hope to foster compliance and significantly reduce crashes.

Commenting on the donated booths, ACP Mwakabonga noted their role in enhancing round-the-clock law enforcement.

“These booths come equipped with solar-powered lighting systems, enabling police officers to remain operational even after dark,” he said.

Oryx Energies Tanzania managing director, Mr Imani Mtafya, said the campaign not only seeks to raise awareness but also to promote long-term behavioural change among riders and other transport service providers.

He said the initiative includes collaborative efforts with police to deliver road safety education, distribution of protective gear such as helmets and reflective jackets, provision of fire extinguishers, and the supply of quality lubricants to improve vehicle performance.

Since its inception, the campaign has trained over 200 transport operators in each district of Dar es Salaam, with plans underway for a nationwide rollout.

Mr Mtafya urged riders to embrace the training and serve as road safety ambassadors within their communities.

“Most road accidents are preventable. Education and accountability are our most powerful tools,” he said, also calling on the media to help disseminate the message.

Echoing the sentiment, Oryx Gas Tanzania Ltd Managing Director, Mr Benoit Araman, a subsidiary of the Oryx Energies group, praised the vital role bodaboda and bajaj operators play in Tanzania’s transport system.

“We believe that by working together we can reduce accidents, save lives, promote clean energy, and contribute to national development,” he said.

Mr Araman added that the company remains committed to supporting President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s directive to promote clean cooking energy, a mission Oryx Energies has embraced since July 2021.

The Dar es Salaam Region and National Bodaboda Association Chairman, Mr Said Chega, emphasised the importance of continuous education for riders.

He welcomed the campaign as a vital tool to reduce accidents by constantly reinforcing the need to obey traffic laws.

“Every day we receive new riders, many with only primary or secondary education, who join our ranks. Training like this builds awareness and encourages road discipline,” he said.

He stressed that bodaboda operators, who transport passengers daily, must prioritise safety for both themselves and their clients.

“We thank Oryx Energies for this campaign and the Police Force for their continued leadership in rider education,” said Mr Chega.