By Levy Lilanga

ZAMBIA Police has recorded an increase of 65 deaths in the first quarter of this year through Road Traffic Accidents (RTAs) with Lusaka and Copperbelt provinces leading.

Out of 7,782 cases of RTAs which were reported countrywide, 465 people died in the first quarter of 2015 as compared to 400 people in the first quarter of 2014 when 7,767 were reported.

This is contained in the First Quarter RTAs Statistics Report from 1st January to 31st March, 2015 accidents involving deaths and injuries released at Police Headquarters in Lusaka.

The report also indicates that 1,558 people were seriously injured this year compared to 1,242 people who were slightly sustained injuries last year indicating an increase of 316.

It further states that most RTAs were caused due to misjudging distance, excessive speed, cutting in, driving under the influence of beer/drugs among others.

The increase in the number of RTAs this years’ first quarter has been attributed to increased volume of motor vehicles being imported into the country.

FUTSAL