Road accidents claim over 750 Zambians between July and September, 2025, showing 12.9% rise compared to 2024

Zambia has continued to record a worrying increase in road traffic accidents, with 10,126 incidents reported nationwide in the third quarter of 2025 — a 12.9 percent rise compared to the same period last year.

According to statistics released by the Zambia Police, 583 of the accidents were fatal, claiming 753 lives, while 1,060 were classified as serious and 1,893 as minor.

The total number of accidents increased by 1,156 from the 8,970 recorded during the same period in 2024.

Police Deputy Public Relations Officer, Godfrey Chilabi, attributed the rise mainly to human error, citing excessive speed, misjudging clearance distance, failure to keep to the near side, disobedience of traffic rules, and improper overtaking as the leading causes.

“Most of these accidents could have been avoided if drivers adhered to road regulations. The statistics point to the urgent need for behavioural change among motorists and other road users,” Chilabi said.

Lusaka Province recorded the highest number of accidents with 5,249 cases, followed by Copperbelt (1,293), Central (1,042), Southern (571), North-Western (565), Eastern (403), Luapula (316), Muchinga (294), Northern (190), and Western (193).

Among rider-related incidents, Lusaka also led with 272 cases, followed by Eastern (179), North-Western (171), Luapula (162), and Central (107).

The report further revealed that 411 children under the age of 16 were involved in road accidents during the quarter. Of these, 73 died, 155 were seriously injured, and 183 sustained minor injuries, with most being pedestrians or passengers.

The month of August recorded the highest number of accidents at 3,634, followed by September (3,330) and July (3,162).

Traffic offences also surged during the quarter, increasing from 40,260 in 2024 to 49,564 in 2025, representing a 23.1 percent rise. Revenue from admission of guilt fines also grew from K18.2 million to K22.5 million, an increase of K4.3 million.

Chilabi described the increase in both road traffic accidents and offences as alarming, particularly with the festive season approaching.
“We appeal to all motorists to exercise maximum caution on the roads.

“Police, working with key partners, will intensify road safety awareness campaigns to curb speeding, drunk driving, and the use of mobile phones while driving,” he said.

He reaffirmed that the Zambia Police Service remained committed to enhancing enforcement and public education to safeguard lives and property on the country’s roads.

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