Reckless driving accounts for 73.7pc of 2024 accidents
DAR ES SALAAM: RECKLESS driving accounted for 73.7 per cent of all accidents that resulted from human errors between January and December last year, the government has said.
Conveying her New Year message to Tanzanians on Tuesday President Samia Suluhu Hassan directed the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Police Force to enhance strategies to prevent accidents caused by negligence.
The Head of State said that in 2024, the country experienced a spate of accidents that claimed lives and caused injuries to dozens of Tanzanians.
Dr Samia said statistics from the Tanzania Police Force show that between January and December last year, the country recorded a total of 1,735 accidents of which 1,198 accidents resulted in the deaths of 1,715 people and injuries to 2,719 others.
She said 97 per cent of the accidents were caused by human errors with the leading factors being negligence, reckless driving and speeding which together account for 73.7 per cent of all accidents.
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Last month, President Samia directed the Police Force in the country to put in place a system that will allow the deduction of points from driving licences owned by drivers who commit traffic offences that jeopardise the safety of road users.
The Head of State issued the directives through her X handle as she conveyed her condolence message to Morogoro Regional Commissioner Adam Malima, relatives and friends following a tragic accident that occurred at Bendera Mbili Village, Mikese Ward, Morogoro District, claiming 15 lives and injuring seven others.
“This system should keep records electronically on the trend of drivers’ traffic offences and then be used to determine whether they should continue to retain their driving licences or not… this will help to improve the current system, where drivers often just pay fines and be allowed to continue driving,” Dr Samia said.
She said the directives are in addition to her call to the public and the directives she issued to the Police Force and security organs on December 4, last year on the need to step up vigilance and enforcement of road safety laws.
“Human life is irreplaceable and we must continue to take joint and decisive actions to ensure it is protected at all costs. These actions include ensuring that vehicles riding on the roads meet the necessary standards for road use and that those driving them have the qualifications, criteria and records required to continue doing so,” Samia said.
Earlier, Dr Samia directed the Police Force to activate and renovate all road traffic signs while enforcing adherence to traffic laws, rules and regulations.
The Head of State was extending her heartfelt condolences to the nation following the car crash in Karagwe Disrict, Kagera which claimed lives of seven people.
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President Dr Samia ordered the Police Force to ensure all road signs are in place and are visibly seen by all road users.
Dr Samia alerted the Police Force that more attention is needed especially in this holiday season, encompassing Christmas and New Year celebrations.
