Lusaka, 24th April, 2022: The Zambia Police has released its quarterly statistics for road traffic fatalities for the first 3 months of 2022 and the numbers are dark and deeply concerning.
Police data show 568 people perished on Zambia roads in the first three months of 2022 compared to 405 killed last year during the same period. 163 more people have perished compared to the same period of 2021. The Zambia Road Safety Trust (ZRST), the leading Road Safety NGO, distinguishes this as devastating news and yet another wakeup call for this country.
Daniel Mwamba, ZRST Chairman said:
“We are failing each other, and we must act to prioritize safety for all road users. One life lost in a preventable crash is tragic enough but 568 in one quarter is unacceptable. ZRST is more committed than ever to its partnership with the government through RTSA and commends the much-needed action of traffic enforcement and implementation of 30 km/h speed signs recently taken by the government to save lives. While these recent actions by government are moving us in the right direction, more can be done”.
There are several life-saving actions to be taken by the government to set the nation on a path to save lives, including:
• Adopting a Safe System approach when looking at roadway safety
• Equitable implementation of road traffic laws, policies, procedures and infrastructure improvements – lack of pedestrian and cyclists paths among other critical elements that make a safe system
• Installation and use of automated enforcement to support safe speeds and adherence to traffic lights
• Implementation of laws banning mobile phone use while driving
• Adoption of comprehensive programmes to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety
• Each road user must take safety personally by buckling up, slowing down and driving distraction- and impairment-free.
More can be done by every road user as well. Here’s what individuals can do from today:
Prepare before you go: Before hitting the road, make sure your car is safe for driving. Vehicle owners should check the oil, put air in the tires, and check for and repair open recalls.
Buckle up: A seat belt is a vehicle safety device designed to secure the driver or a passenger of a vehicle against harmful movement that may result during a collision. Therefore, we need to raise more awareness about the importance of wearing seatbelts and also set a fine for those found guilty of not wearing seatbelts.
Drive distraction-free: Thousands have died in car crashes involving mobile phone use. Put your phones away and just drive.
Slow down: Speeding is a huge factor in all traffic fatalities. Drive within the speed limit and do not exceed it. Be sure to pay close attention to those walking and biking in order to keep all road users safe.
Designate a sober driver or arrange alternate transportation: Alcohol is only one cause of impaired driving. Drugs, including marijuana and some over-the-counter medicines, can cause drowsiness, alter visual functions and affect mental judgment and motor skills.
Get educated: ZRST offers resources to help drivers be safe on the roads and encourages everyone to participate in the various road safety campaigns that we undertake in the country. /End
Media Contacts:
Mailos Mwale, Communications Advisor, ZRST
0953736461 mailos.mwale@@zambianroadsafety.org
Daniel Mwamba, Chairman, ZRST
0961475610 daniel.mwamba@zambianroadsafety.org
The Zambia Road Safety Trust (ZRST), established in 2014, is a leading registered non-government road safety entity registration no: 101/0503/15. ZRST seeks to create awareness of road safety issues in Zambia and contribute to reduce loss of life and injuries on Zambia’s roads. The Trust is an operational NGO, meaning we plan and carry out boots-on-the-ground projects to accomplish our objectives. Web: www.zambianroadsafety.org
