The Zambia Police Service has recorded 120 road traffic accidents during this year’s New Year holiday, indicating a reduction of 117 cases from last year.
In a statement, police public relations officer Esther Mwaata Katongo explained that of the 120 road traffic accidents recorded, 11 were fatal accidents in which 13 people were killed; 14 were serious accidents in which 15 were seriously injured; 33 were slight accidents in which 35 were slightly injured; and 62 were damage only accidents.
“A total number of 120 road traffic accidents were reported during this year’s New Year holiday from December 31, 2018 to January 2, 2019. 11 were fatal road traffic accidents in which 13 persons were killed, 14 were serious road traffic accidents in which 15 persons were seriously injured, 33 were slight road traffic accidents in which 35 persons were slightly injured and 62 were damage only road traffic accidents,” she stated.
Katongo disclosed that Lusaka Province recorded the highest number of road traffic accidents with 52, whilst Muchinga Province recorded the least with two accidents.
She further stated that there was a reduction of road traffic accidents this year compared to 237 cases recorded last year during the same period.
“In comparison with the same period last year, a total number of 237 road traffic accidents were recorded as compared to 120 recorded this year, which shows a decrease by 117 road traffic accidents. 17 were fatal road traffic accidents last year in which 17 persons were killed as compared to 11 fatal road traffic accidents where 13 persons were killed showing a decrease in fatal road traffic accidents by six and in persons killed by four.
In 2017, 40 were recorded as serious road traffic accidents in which 78 persons were seriously injured as compared to 14 serious road traffic accidents and 15 persons sustaining serious injuries in 2018/19 New Year holiday showing a decrease by 26 in serious road traffic accidents and a decrease by 63 casualties seriously injured,” she stated.
“There were 54 slight road traffic accidents where 74 persons were slightly injured in last New Year holiday as compared to 33 slight road traffic accidents where 35 persons were slightly injured in this New Year holiday. The figures indicate a decrease by 21 slight road traffic accidents and a decrease by 39 casualties slightly injured. During the last year holiday 126 were recorded as damage only road traffic accidents as compared to 62 damage only road traffic accidents recorded this year which shows a reduction by 64.”
Katongo added that a total number of casualties in 2017/2018 New Year’s holiday was 169 as compared to 63 casualties in this New Year holiday.
Meanwhile, Katongo observed that there was a reduction in road traffic accidents and offences this year because of increased presence of traffic officers and RTSA Staff on all major roads.
“There is a reduction in road traffic accidents and offences due to increased presence of Traffic Officers together with RTSA Staff on all major roads. Generally, there was compliance of road traffic rules and regulations by the motorists and pedestrians. Most of these accidents are attributed to human error such as excessive speed and pedestrians crossing the road without due care,” stated Katongo.
