The traffic police directorate has revealed that 79 people were killed in road crashes in the first week of this year. Assistant Superintendent of Police – ASP Faridah Nampiima the traffic police spokesperson, said the deaths were registered among the 340 crashes recorded from January 1st to 8th across the country.
Nampiima explained that 324 people were victims of crashes of which 79 lost their lives. The figures mean 11 people perished per day in the first week of 2023.
Police also arrested 9,580 abusers of road rules. Of these, 1,518 were arrested for driving recklessly, 2008 had vehicles in dangerous mechanic condition.
Nampiima said crashes are happening because road users keep drifting from one lane to another. Others drive while drunk but also pedestrians who are crossing roads recklessly have contributed to both fatal and serious crashes.
Apart from the 79 people who perished, 245 are in different hospitals nursing serious injuries. Drivers and passengers have been urged to always ensure that vehicles are in good condition.