NTSA Director General Francis Meja has lamented the effects of road traffic accidents. Addressing the press after launching a campaign to curb drunk driving in partnership with other stakeholders including Alcohol and Beverage Association and Taxis Companies, Meja said many lives are lost as a result of road accidents, “We lose about almost 3000 people annually as a result of road traffic crashes, and many more are injured,” he said, “The impact of this scourge is serious and it’s an unfortunate thing.” He said that 91 percent of the accidents are attributed to human behaviour issues which can easily be avoided if people take responsibility on the highways.
Furthermore, he said the age bracket of those who are most affected is a worry, “Majority of those who are affected are between the ages of 20 and 44 years. This robs the country of the most productive class and an energetic group,” he said. He added that lately even boda boda riders have become irresponsible on the roads, and this has been a major issue to deal with.
