Zambia recorded 30, 163 road accidents in 2017

Transport and Communications Minister Brian Mushimba

Transport and Communications Minister Brian Mushimba has disclosed that Zambia recorded a total of 30, 163 road accidents in which 1,989 lives were lost in 2017.

Speaking during the official launch of the Road Safety Management System at RTSA Mimosa in Chilanga, Mr Mushimba says six lives are lost on Zambian roads daily, while 20 people are seriously injured with 90 accidents reported daily.

Mr. Mushimba further states that statistics indicate that 85% of road accidents are caused by human error-related factors such as drunk driving, speeding, and use of cell phones while driving.

He says the new system is therefore earmarked to reduce road traffic accidents in the country.

And Mr. Mushimba has stated that the road safety management system is poised to create over 1,500 direct and 4,500 indirect jobs for Zambians.

He says the system will further broaden the Road Transport and Safety Agency’s presence with over 30 additional outlets to be fitted with mechanized motor vehicle inspection equipment.

President Edgar Lungu has declared road safety a national priority, and a public private partnership (PPP) structure has been established between RTSA representing government with Intelligent Mobility Solutions (IMS) being a private sector partner.

And RTSA’s Chief Executive Officer Zindaba Soko says the system will follow an integrated road safety strategy with six main thrusts which include vehicle registration and secure number plates as a foundation to best manage the nation’s road safety programme.