adminIn an interview yesterday, national police spokesperson, Superintendent Andrew Phiri, attributed the decrease to a heavy police presence on the roads and increased co-operation by motorists and members of the public.
Supt Phiri urged stakeholders to unite to further reduce carnage on the nation’s roads.
“The total number of deaths decreased from 34 last year to 24 this year. We also recorded a decrease in the number of accidents with 237 this year compared to 351 last year,” said Supt Phiri.
He said the number of people injured during the holidays dropped from 207 last year to 129 this year.
“This year, we had set up roadblocks on every road within cities and major roads with traffic police and speed traps so as to curb road accidents and deaths,” said Supt Phiri.
“As police, we have been fighting to bring order on the roads, particularly in the public transport sector. We face challenges that include corruption at roadblocks, flouting of traffic laws and council by-laws.”
Supt Phiri said most of the deaths and accidents that occurred during the holidays were a result of human error.
He said the total number of impounded unroadworthy vehicles increased this year compared to last year.
“This year, we impounded 669 unroadworthy vehicles compared to last year’s 203. We will continue to impound unroadworthy vehicles and arrest offenders until sanity prevails on our roads,” said Supt Phiri.
“Most of the drivers are inexperienced as some buy licences instead of going through appropriate steps in attaining one.”
He said 14 529 tickets were issued this year, while 3 070 were issued last year.
Supt Phiri urged motorists to exercise caution when driving and to ensure their vehicles were in perfect working order to avoid unnecessary deaths on the roads.
Online Reporter