Road traffic deaths decline by 14 per cent

Provisional statistics on road traffic crashes and its resultant fatalities and injuries have declined by 14% in the first five months of the year 2020.

As at the end of May, 2020, a total of 5,465 crashes involving 9,163 vehicles were recorded resulting in 958 incidents of pedestrian knock downs, 909 fatalities and 5,703 injuries.

The reductions, according to the MTTD, is partly attributed to the reduced motorization due to the lockdown policy of government as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Compared to the same period in 2019, this year’s situation represents a reduction in cases reported, vehicles involved, pedestrian knockdowns, fatalities and injuries by 5.22%, 2.54%, 25.27%, 14.49% and 3.47% respectively.

However, there was a 12.64% increase in fatalities involving motorcycle users over the same period.

Meanwhile the Authority has cautioned drivers to minimize their travel speeds and avoid wrongful overtaking, driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs and driving tired.

“Pedestrians are also advised to cross the roads at designated/safe points. Passengers must wear seatbelts and speak up against driver misbehaviour in traffic and Motorcycle riders and pillion riders must always wear their crash helmets when in traffic and stop on red at signalized intersections,” the authority advised.

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