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Patrick Chitumba Senior Reporter
TWELVE people were killed in road accidents countrywide on Tuesday alone, bringing the festive season road accident death toll to 47. The festive period stretches from December 15 to January 15.
Police spokesperson Chief Superintendent Paul Nyathi said the figure was an increase from six people who died on December 23, last year.
He said 120 road accidents were recorded on December 23 compared to 62 on the same date last year.
“A total of 12 people died yesterday compared to six that died the same day last year. On the same day 74 people were injured compared to 82 during the day last year,” he said.
Chief Supt Nyathi said cumulatively, 718 accidents had been recorded since December 15 compared to 599 recorded during the same period last year.
He said 397 people were injured compared to 264 injured last year.
“A total of 47 people have been killed since the start of the festive season. That is the same number of deaths that were recorded during the same period last year,” said Chief Supt Nyathi.
He said police had issued 67,584 tickets for various traffic offences.
Chief Supt Nyathi said they impounded 1,667 vehicle for various defects.
He appealed to motorists to continue exercising caution on the road in order to safeguard life and prevent accidents.
Chief Supt Nyathi said an analysis of the fatal road accidents so far recorded has revealed that 11 accidents were caused by overtaking errors.
“Seventeen accidents have been caused by speeding motorists who wantonly disregard road rules and regulations and four accidents have been caused by vehicle defects such as tyre bursts and other mechanical faults,” he said.
Chief Supt Nyathi said passengers were also encouraged to check all road sides after disembarking from public service vehicles.
Online Reporter
Bongani Ndlovu