23 fatalities reported in 197 traffic collisions over Christmas holiday

23 people lost their lives in 197 traffic accidents that the police reported over the holiday season this year, according to the police.

Police deputy spokesperson Danny Mwale said in a statement to the media that out of the 197 accidents reported across the nation, 22 were fatal, resulting in the deaths of 23 people, 21 were serious road traffic accidents, resulting in the serious injuries of 32 people, 41 were minor accidents, resulting in the injuries of 58 people, and 113 were accidents with only property damage.

According to him, Lusaka Province had the most accidents on the roads, with 71, followed by Copperbelt Province with 33, Central with 20, Western Province with 18, Eastern with 15, Southern with 11, Luapula Province with 7, and North-Western with 7.

According to Mr. Mwale, Northern Province recorded six accidents, while Muchinga Province had five.

“Road traffic accidents have increased from 152 during Christmas holiday of 2021 to 197 recorded in the same period this year.

This is attributed to the reduction in compliance levels by most of the road users,” he said.