69 lose lives in bloody festive season
At least 69 people have so far died in traffic accidents this festive season with 92 injured in the 1 285 recorded road traffic accidents between December 15 and Monday.
Almost all major accidents involved private cars, with none of the major accidents involving a bus or other public service vehicle, police report.
Human error in the form of speeding, overtaking errors, inattention and misjudgment caused the accidents, with injuries and deaths made higher because of overloading of passengers in some cases.
The same 12 days last year saw more accidents, 1 626, and more injuries, 337, but slightly fewer deaths, 62.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi yesterday noted the 12 days included National Unity Day, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
“On Unity Day, 22nd December, a total of 107 road traffic accidents were recorded countrywide and three of the accidents were fatal where three people died while 27 were injured. In 2021, 144 road traffic accidents were recorded with seven being fatal, killing 10 people while 26 others were injured.
“On Christmas Day, a total of 119 road traffic accidents were recorded countrywide with 10 being fatal, killing 13 people and injuring 89, compared to 187 road traffic accidents recorded during the same period in 2021 with 10 fatal, which killed 13 people and injured 35 others.
- Herald
