The festive season which is set to climinate on Wednesday, January 1st has so far seen a reduction in road accidents and fatalities compared to the previous year, according to data from the Rwanda National Police (RNP). Between December 24 and December 30, nine accidents were reported, resulting in 11 fatalities. This marks an improvement from the same period last year, which recorded 14 accidents and 19 fatalities. ALSO READ: Careless driving responsible for 50% of Rwanda's traffic accidents According to the Traffic Police spokesperson SP Emmanuel Kayigi, this year’s accidents were primarily due to overspeeding, reckless overtaking, and driver negligence. Kayigi said that drunk driving and overspeeding were the most frequent offenses, exacerbated by increased travel during the holidays. In the lead-up to the festive season, Boniface Rutikanga, RNP spokesperson, emphasised the police’s commitment to road safety and responsible drinking during the end-of-year celebrations. “Our main focus is ensuring road safety and discouraging reckless behavior such as speeding and driving under the influence,” he told The New Times. “Adhering to traffic regulations is crucial for preventing accidents and safeguarding lives during this busy period.” ALSO READ: Six ways govt plans to mitigate road accidents To enhance safety, RNP deployed static and mobile patrols along major roads nationwide. Public awareness campaigns were also intensified to educate road users on responsible behavior and deter violations. These measures were aimed at reducing risks and ensuring a safer festive season for all road users.
