A traffic accident report which has been released this afternoon reveals alarming statistics, with a total of 432 accidents recorded, out of which 97 were fatal, 202 serious, and 133 minor.
Among the 424 victims involved in these accidents, 100 lost their lives, while 324 sustained injuries.
The fatalities included 42 motorcycle riders, with 29 being riders and 13 passengers, as well as 40 pedestrians.
The report comes a few hours after a fatal accident happened last night at Muzizi Forest along the Kagadi-Kyenjojo Road in Kagadi District. The collision involved two vehicles: the UAD 431Q Trailer and the UAM 426V Toyota Hiace.
Preliminary findings from the investigation indicate that the UAD 431Q Trailer, traveling from Sudan to Congo along the Kagadi-Kyenjojo route, failed to negotiate a corner at Muzizi Forest, resulting in a collision with the UAM 426V Toyota Hiace.
The accident claimed the lives of 15 individuals who were on board the Toyota Hiace, including the driver and conductor, while three others sustained injuries.
The causes of these accidents have been attributed to various factors, including speeding and surpassing prescribed speed limits, reckless overtaking maneuvers, attempting overtaking on blind corners and hills, trying to pass multiple vehicles in challenging situations, and distracted driving, such as using mobile phones or messaging while operating a vehicle. Furthermore, road obstructions caused by broken-down vehicles also contribute to the risk.
These findings highlight the urgent need for comprehensive road safety measures and heightened awareness among all road users. The prevention of such accidents requires collective efforts from authorities, drivers, and pedestrians alike, as well as strict adherence to traffic regulations and responsible driving practices.