Zambia witnesses a substantial decrease in traffic accidents during New Year holiday

During the New Year holiday between December 31 2018 and January 2, 2019, Zambia has witnessed a total number of 120 road traffic accidents which is comparatively less than the previous year.

In around 11 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 due to road traffic accidents, as reported by Lusaka Times.

Zambia Police spokesperson Esther Katongo said Lusaka Province recorded the highest number of road traffic accidents with 52 whilst Muchinga Province recorded the least with 02 road traffic accidents.

Esther Katongo said 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. This 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 06 and in persons killed by 04.

"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.

A total number of casualties in 2017/ 2018 New Year's holiday was 169 as compared to 63 casualties in this New Year holiday which shows a decrease by 106 casualties", she explained. She further said there is a reduction in road traffic accidents and offences due to the increased presence of Traffic Officers together with RTSA Staff on all major roads.

She said generally, there was compliance of road traffic rules and regulations by the motorists and pedestrians. She attributed most of the accidents to human error such as excessive speed and pedestrians crossing the road without due care.