Road Crashes: 83 killed in one week

Micheal Kananura, the PRO Traffic Police

The week of June 9–15, 2024, saw a tragic rise in traffic incidents across the country, resulting in 83 deaths and 311 injuries, according to the latest report from the traffic police.

Michael Kananura, the traffic police spokesperson, told the media in Kampala on Monday that among those that died, 32 were motorcyclists, 26 pedestrians, 10 passengers on motorcycles, four passengers in vehicles, three pedocyclists, two drivers, one passenger on a tricycle, and five others.

Motorcycle-related crashes were particularly devastating, accounting for 51% of the total deaths. Kananura emphasized the primary causes of these incidents. “Crashes due to careless overtaking contributed to 29% of the total crashes, followed by speeding, which accounted for 21%. Crashes due to sudden entrance from the side of the road were 6%, and following too closely contributed to 5% of the total crashes,” he explained.

The high incidence of motorcycle crashes underscores the need for heightened awareness and stricter enforcement of traffic regulations. “The major causes of these crashes highlight the importance of road safety measures and the need for drivers to exercise caution,” Kananura noted.

In response to these alarming statistics, the traffic police are urging all road users to adhere to traffic rules and regulations to prevent further tragedies.

“We must all take responsibility for our actions on the road to ensure the safety of everyone,” Kananura stated.

The police also plan to intensify road safety campaigns and increase patrols in high-risk areas to curb reckless driving and other dangerous behaviors