Police decries high rate of accidents in Eastern Province

RWAMAGANA – Police in Eastern Province yesterday said that thirty three people have lost their lives in road accidents over the last three months.

Friday, November 23, 2012
Governor Odette Uwamariya (C) joins police and drivers in drawing zebra crossings. The New Times / S. Rwembeho.

RWAMAGANA – Police in Eastern Province yesterday said that thirty three people have lost their lives in road accidents over the last three months.Launching this year’s traffic week in the province, Police appealed to motorists to observe speed limits. Regional Police Commander, Eastern Province, Chief Superintendent Peter Hodari, said even though there had been a decrease in the number of road accidents, accidents in general were still alarming."Road accidents recorded towards the end of this year are still high…the numbers may increase during Christmas and New Year season,” he warned.  "Reports indicate that in Eastern Province, 107 accidents were recorded in the last three months, which caused 104 casualties and 33 people lost their lives”. He said that the violation of traffic rules was the main cause of the accidents and urged motorists to observe road safety rules or risk facing the wrath of the law."This campaign is to educate road users to respect traffic rules, but we are also coming up with stringent measures for those who ignore them,” Hodari said.Jean Damascene Sikubwabo, a local resident, said that drivers continue to drive recklessly despite police warnings."They drive at a very high speed…this is still a problem, police impose penalties but they don’t care. We should increase humps and Zebra crossings to limit speed, particularly in congested areas,” he said.