Road crashes claim 26 lives, leave 62 injured during New Year festivities

26 people lost their lives and 62 sustained injuries following road crashes that occurred from 30^th December 2023 to 1^st January 2024 across the country.

SP Michael Kananura, the PRO Traffic Directorate, told reporters at Naguru Police Headquarters on Tuesday, that among the deceased, 7 were motorcycle riders, 4 were passengers on motorcycles, 13 were pedestrians, and one each was a driver and a pedal cyclist.

Kananura revealed that pedestrians accounted for 50% of the total recorded deaths.

He urged pedestrians to improve their visibility, especially during the evening or dark hours, by wearing bright clothing. Additionally, he advised pedestrians to walk on the right side, allowing them to monitor oncoming traffic, and explained the importance of using designated crossings like zebra crossings. Kananura cautioned against crossing roads behind buses, heavy trucks, or parked vehicles, urging individuals to seek safer crossing locations.

He advised pedestrians to refrain from using head/earphones while on the road and to avoid taking phone calls.