Kigali: Police continues to urge motorists to be “extra careful on road and observe traffic rules and regulations to avoid accidents.
Commissioner of Police (CP) Rafiki Mujiji, commissioner for Traffic and Road Safety Department, said that most of the accidents recorded on the eve of Christmas and on Christmas Day were “minor and not related to celebrations.”
“Out of 15 accidents recorded in the two days across the country, 10 were minor, four serious and one fatal,” CPMujiji said.
At least nine of the accidents happened on the eve of Christmas Day, with seven of them minor and two others, which occurred in Muhanga and Bugesera were “serious”.
Other six accidents including one fatal which occurred in Gasabo and two serious (in Muhanga and Kamonyi districts) occurred on Christmas Day.
“All accidents happened during the day and were not connected to Christmas celebrations… they were caused by the recklessness of drivers,” CP Mujiji explained.
“Traffic operations conducted in the two days also arrested 23 drunk drivers; their alcoholic content was way above the recommended 0.08.”
CP Mujiji appealed to all road users to “use the road responsibly.”
“When you drive, make sure you are sober, stress-free, put your phone away and don’t overspeed,” he said.
He further observed that the festive season is characterized by heavy rains causing flooding, landslides and blocking of roads, which requires “extra vigilance and maximum respect for traffic rules and regulations.” (End)