The police have recorded 66 road deaths and 391 crashes since January, marking a significant long-term increase in nationwide traffic-related deaths and injuries.
National police spokesperson deputy commissioner Kauna Shikwambi yesterday announced these figures for the period between 1 January and 22 February.
According to the police, 694 injuries were also recorded nationwide during this period.
Shikwambi in a report says the police are deeply concerned about the trend of road crashes and the impact they continue to have on communities.
“These tragic incidents not only claim lives, but also devastate families, strain emergency services, and undermine public confidence,” she says.
According to the report, the figures reflect a 6% decrease in crashes, a 0.4% decrease in injuries, and a 12% decrease in deaths, compared to the same period in 2025.
However, when compared to the 2024 baseline, the data shows a significant long-term increase.
Relative to 2024’s figures of 332 crashes, 563 injuries and 44 deaths, the report records an overall increase of 18% in crashes, 23% in injuries, and 50% in deaths.
The police have identified the primary contributing factors to road crashes as speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol, fatigue, the failure to maintain safe following distances, reckless and/or negligent driving, and overtaking at blind spots.
They say these behaviours are entirely preventable.
Shikwambi says the police will continue to prioritise high-visibility enforcement operations, intelligence-driven roadblocks, and sustained public awareness campaigns as part of efforts to address road crashes and deaths.
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