Luanda: Road accidents in Angola have claimed the lives of 1,558 people over the past six months, with a total of 6,125 crashes recorded, as revealed by Francisco Ribas, the General Commander of the National Police.
According to Angola Press News Agency, during the recent CANVOT session held in Luanda, chaired by Vice-President Esperan§a da Costa, police chief Francisco Ribas disclosed that while road accidents rose by 68 incidents, the death toll has decreased by 29 compared to the same period last year. Additionally, the number of injured individuals reached 8,086, reflecting a reduction of 720 compared to the same period last year.
Ribas emphasized that despite the decrease in fatalities, some accidents have had significant impacts at the national level. As part of the National Road Prevention and Safety Plan 2023-2027, the Road Prevention Program report titled "Change Before It's Too Late" was reviewed, covering the past six months.
The police chief noted that despite efforts by the Executive, traffic accidents remain a concern in the country, with prominent incidents involving pedestrian run-overs, vehicle collisions, and rollovers. The most affected provinces include Luanda, Hula, Huambo, Benguela, Cuanza-Sul, Bi©, and Icolo and Bengo.
Ribas pointed out that the most deadly accidents occurred during early morning hours and in remote areas lacking immediate medical care. These incidents often involved public passenger transport vehicles. Speeding, fatigue, drowsiness, and neglecting seat belt use were identified as primary causes of these accidents.
The police chief mentioned that over 70 critical accident sites have been identified nationwide, prompting measures under the MUDE program to prevent further tragedies. Despite a reduction in accidents and deaths over the last 12 months, recent incidents involving passenger transport vehicles have had a significant societal impact.
Pedestrian accidents accounted for 1,860 victims, including deaths and injuries. Speeding was linked to 2,305 accidents, poor technical conditions of roads and vehicles to 897, and driving under the influence of alcohol to 586 incidents.
Ribas announced that as part of the Traffic Program, authorities will enhance measures by installing radars and employing devices to enforce alcohol-free driving. In addition to awareness initiatives, the session emphasized the collaborative efforts involving educational bodies and schools to further reduce traffic accidents.
