Safety of movement of people and vehicles in the right of way: a case Study of Tanzam Highway (Kibaha - Chalinze Section)

The main objective of this study was to identify the critical factors that affect safety of movement in the right of way, establish the relationship between the road infrastructure and safety of movement in the right of way and propose strategies in order to enhance safety. The study used literature review and qualitative research methodology that concerned extensive narrative data collection, statistical data analysis and quantitative presentation of results. The choice of using questionnaire was opted for its efficient and ability to capture more information from the source. The factors revealed to be cause of accidents under human error are: over speeding, Violation of traffic rules, reckless driving/pedestrian, alcoholism. Under road defects factors and errors in the design of road which resulted to long straight sections, narrow shoulders, absence of reflectors, deep ruts, undulation of road surface, absence of road furniture and under equipment the causes of accident were identified as defective vehicles caused by poor maintenance, older vehicles which constitute majority of vehicles in Tanzania and availability of fake spares in the market, attitude, ignorant of road users to safety measures, Lack of knowledge on how to use the road, their rights in the right of way and their role to prevent accidents are the major problems. The overall conclusion is that emphasis should be done on educating road users; by taking initiative to include into the syllabus from kindergarten to secondary school the road safety studies to create awareness right from the beginning of each road user. Revision of traffic laws to raise high fines and penalties and accommodate other stern laws like jailing, cancellation/suspension of driving licences for violators, and equip law enforcers with Information systems for data keeping, surveillance, and monitoring and ease enforcement. Road designs and maintenance interventions should accommodate non motorised traffic to segregate motorised and none motorised on our roads. Policy on vehicles importation especially for public transport vehicles should be revised to regulate on importing older vehicles.