Traffic accidents down

A total of 1, 971 traffic accidents were recorded in the country in this year’s first five months, a 1.4 per cent reduction compared to 1, 999 cases registered in the same period last year, which is attributed to increased measures to ensure road safety.According to a police report, 177 people died between January and May, this year, while 1166 sustained minor or serious injuries.A total of 163 people died while 1, 204 were injured in the same period last year.Chief Supt Celestin Twahirwa, the Traffic Police Commanding Officer, said most accidents were caused by negligence of road users.He, however, said several measures have been undertaken to curb the rate of traffic accidents, including the use of breathalysers and speed radars on high ways as well as imposing penalties on those violating traffic rules.Police also initiated an annual campaign dubbed ‘Road Safety Week’ to enforce road security, and the traffic chief said this helped in enforcing road safety.“We have, on a regular basis sensitised road users, particularly taxi motor riders and drivers to respect traffic regulations,” said Twahirwa.He cautioned road users, especially taxi motor riders, to respect traffic rules.Most of the 4, 403 road accidents recorded last year were caused by motorcycles, resulting into 491 deaths and 3,413 injuries, with 72 per cent of them in the City of Kigali. “We increased the number of sign posts and are in the process to add more, especially parking yards,” he explained.Reckless driving, especially by motorcycle taxis was last year’s major cause of accidents constituting 62 per cent, followed by bad manoeuvring 20 per cent, over speeding at 8 per cent while drunk driving represented 2 per cent. The official said preventing road accidents should be the first priority for every road user. “If everyone can realise the need to respect traffic rules, then traffic accidents will be effectively minimised,” Twahirwa said.

National

Traffic accidents down