8 die in Christmas holiday road accidents

Eight people died in six fatal road accidents registered during this year’s Christmas Day and Boxing Day holidays commemorated on Monday and Tuesday this week, respectively Police have said.

National Police deputy spokesperson Alfred Chimthere in an interview on Wednesday said 24 road accidents were reported during the Christmas holiday, including the six fatal ones.

The accidents, which occurred between midnights of December 24 and 26, represent a 33 percent decrease compared to the 36 recorded during the same period last year.

In terms of fatal road accidents, the data this year represents a decrease of 45 percent as compared to the same period last year where 11 people lost their lives in 11 fatal accidents.

Said Chimthere: “The 2023 Christmas festive holiday has registered a huge decrease in the total number of road accidents and deaths, compared to the same period in 2022.”

He said victims of this year’s fatal road accidents include four pedestrians, two motorcyclists and two passengers. He added that there were 10 minor injuries recorded during the period.

Chimthere further said Central and Southern regions registered two fatal accidents apiece while Northern and Eastern regions registered each.

“It is also noteworthy that most of the accidents occurred during night time,” he said.

He attributed the decrease to intensive sensitisation meetings, police visibility and traffic enforcement, among others.

Minister of Homeland Security Ken Zikhale Ng’oma recently urged road users to follow traffic regulations to save lives adding that police visibility will be increased to ensure safety in all the communities during the festive season.

He said: “Don’t drink and drive to avoid unnecessary accidents. The police will be everywhere to ensure law and order. I urge the public to report to relevant authorities all suspected criminals so that they are dealt with accordingly.”

In 2021, police recorded 10 traffic fatalities during the Christmas holiday.