During the third quarter of 2017, a total number of 7,832 road traffic accidents were recorded compared to the third quarter of 2016 where 8,231 road traffic accidents were recorded an indication that there was a reduction in the number of road traffic accidents by 399.

In the first quarter of 2017, a total number of 372 road traffic accidents were fatal accidents in which 497 persons were killed compared to 519 fatal accidents recorded in 2016 in which 635 persons were killed, showing a reduction by 138. 788 accidents were serious road traffic accidents in which 1,451 persons were seriously injured compared to 2016 in which 1,841 persons were seriously injured. There was a reduction in persons seriously injured in the third quarter of this year by 390 when compared to the same period last year.

In 2017, there were 686 slight injuries accidents in which 2,099 persons had slight injuries compared to 2016 in which 2,144 persons suffered slight injuries showing a reduction by 45.

Going by Province, Lusaka recorded 4,140 road traffic accidents followed by Copperbelt with 1,202 accidents, Central Province had 549, Southern Province had 502, Eastern Province had 424, North western Province had 337, Luapula Province had 196, Muchinga Province had 194, Northern had 152 while Western recorded the lowest number at 136 road traffic accidents.

During the third quarter of 2017, a total number of 434 children were involved in road traffic accidents as compared to 355 children involved in 2016 hence recording an increase by 79.

In the same period, 10,849 motor vehicles were involved in road traffic accidents as compared to 13,610 motor vehicles in the third quarter of 2016 translating a reduction by 2,761. Most of the recorded accidents occurred on Fridays and Saturdays.

Most of the accidents have been attributed to excessive speed, misjudging clearance distance, failing to keep near side and cutting in.

Meanwhile, during the period under review, a total of 39,334 road traffic offences were recorded and a total amount of K 10,600,731 was raised in admission of guilt fines.

ESTHER MWAATA KATONGO

ZAMBIA POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER

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