Zambia reportedly records 31 deaths from 262 road accidents during festive period (video)

The Zambia Police and Road Transport And Safety Agency (RTSA) have held a joint briefing where they announced that 31 deaths were reportedly recorded from 262 road accidents during the festive period.

Police Spokesperson, Rae Hamoonga, said the road traffic accidents occurred between Christmas and the New Year period.

Hamoonga revealed on Thursday that fatalities were as a result of over-speeding, drivers driving whilst drinking alcohol and failure of motorists to keep their lane.

He said it was unfortunate that the country had experienced road fatalities despite the road safety awareness and other measures put in place.

Hamoonga further clarified that among the previously recorded 32 fatalities, one occurred at Manda Hill involving a 50-year-old person, which, after investigations, was determined to be a murder case.

“In the coming weeks, we will also be conducting thorough investigations into the incidents or traffic accidents… you have seen that of the fatalities I have mentioned 31 instead of 32,” he stated.

Speaking at the same event, Road Transport And Safety Agency (RTSA) Chief Executive Officer, Amon Mweemba, disclosed that 137 motorists were impounded for drunk driving countrywide during the festive period.

Mweemba added that the majority of offenses included 150 motorists impounded for expired road tax, 85 were booked for driving under the influence of alcohol, 40 unlicensed drivers, 34 violations for expired motor vehicle insurance and 26 motorists for expired driving licenses.

He said RTSA had set measures to reduce the number of fatalities in 2024 such as enforcing the use of seat belts and child restraints, reducing serious injuries and fatalities where drivers engage in destructive behavior among others.

He emphasized that the agency would also profile pedestrians.

“The largest number of fatalities in Zambia are pedestrians, we need to understand where they are most vulnerable so that we can address that,” Mweemba disclosed.

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