The Rwanda National Police (RNP) has issued a stern warning to drivers who have continued to breach traffic rules leading to road accidents and loss of lives.

The warning was issued following five accidents registered across the country on Saturday in which one person died and 14 others were injured.

The accidents happened in Nyagatare, Kirehe, Kamonyi and Nyarugenge districts.

They also include one that occured in Kacyiru where a Toyota Corora, registration number RAC 517H destroyed five palm trees.

The spokesperson for traffic and road safety, Supt. Jean Marie Ndushabandi said the driver identified as Duncan Mathieu Mugisha was drunk at the time of the accident.

Other accidents, he added, were due to over-speeding and reckless driving.

"We have said it time and again for road users, especially drivers and motorcyclists, to abide by traffic rules and regulations, avoid driving while talking on phone, overtaking in dangerous corners, over-speeding and careless driving,” Supt. Ndushabandi said.

He warned of "severe consequences” to whoever will be caught breaching traffic rules.

Supt. Ndushabandi also warned owners of vehicles with mechanical faults to take them for inspection and fix them to avoid likely accidents.

The presidential decree No. 85/01 of September 2, 2002, regulating general traffic police and road traffic; stipulates, in part, that "vehicles not satisfying the set technical criteria will not be issued a certificate. Owners of vehicles using public roads without the certificate will be liable to a fine of Rwf 25, 000.”