These vehicles are usually poorly maintained, travel at high speeds and are the principal ones involved in the many single and multi-vehicle accidents along Ugandan roads. Large trucks on the highways are often precariously over-loaded, with cargo inadequately secured. Alcohol frequently is a contributing factor in road accidents, particularly at night. In 2000, one American was killed and one seriously injured in a two-car accident at night on a highway. In Uganda, one drives on the left, and most vehicles are right-hand drive.
Motorcycles are common and weave in and out of traffic to avoid traffic jams.
There are no posted speed limits in Uganda, and virtually no enforcement of traffic infractions outside Kampala. Ugandan pedestrians often walk in the roads and may not be visible to motorists. Large potholes are ubiquitous, and adequate signage or shoulders are almost non-existent. Road grading is inadequate, and blind corners can be very dangerous. One local driving custom that often confuses Americans relates to the use of turn signals.