Alarming road accidents a national crisis – RTSA

By MUKWIMA CHILALA and MWELWA KAPASO

THE Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) has called for urgent and combative measures to address Zambia’s soaring road traffic accidents, describing the situation as a national crisis.
Speaking during a Remembrance Day event at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross to honor victims of road traffic accidents, RTSA board chairperson Eng. Allen Mate has expressed grave concerns over the lack of significant change in road user behavior.

“The statistics are alarming, and this cannot continue as business as usual, because just between January and October this year we have recorded 26,528 road traffic accidents,” Eng. Mate said.
“This is a national problem that requires us to expand our efforts, including involving the President, to emphasise the seriousness of road safety,” he said.
In an emotional appeal, Eng Mate urged RTSA to convene an internal indaba to strategize on best to reduce the high rate of accidents and called for collaborative action from all stakeholders.
And RTSA Chief Executive Officer Amon Mweemba echoed Eng Mate’s sentiments, emphasising the agency’s commitment to holding reckless drivers accountable and fostering a culture of responsible road usage.
“The rising cases of road traffic accidents are worrying. Every life lost is a painful reminder of the urgent need for change,” Mweemba said. “RTSA will not tolerate dangerous driving, and we urge motorists to be more cautious and law-abiding,” Mr Mweemba said. Mr Mweemba called on various sectors, including civil society, private institutions, and government agencies, to partner with RTSA to enhance road safety and reduce accidents.
The event, themed to underscore the importance of road safety, also heard emotional appeals from victims with Pemala Kwaleyela urging the government to prioritise child safety policies, particularly for schoolchildren. “For too long, school drop-offs have been neglected, with children left unattended in unsafe conditions,” Ms Kwaleyela said.

And representative of Transport and Logistics Minister Frank Tayali, Nkumbu Siame who is Director for Infrastructure reaffirmed government’s commitment towards Road Safety.
Mr Siame said the government was putting up many interventions aimed at combating Road Safety and reducing Road Traffic Accidents.