58 died during Christmas, says traffic police

 The Traffic Police spokesperson, ASP Faridah Nampiima, says a total of 195 accidents were registered between December 23 and 26.

And out of these accidents during the time leading up to Christmas and slightly after, 58 were fatal, 93 serious and 51 minor accidents.

“There were 248 accident victims during the (Christmas) period and out of these, 58 persons died and 190 sustained injuries. Of the dead, seven were drivers, 16 seriously injured whereas four pedal cyclists died, four seriously injured and 17 motorcyclists died,” ASP Nampiima said.

The Traffic Police Directorate spokesperson went to detail how a total of 12 passengers on motorcycles died, whereas 33 were seriously injured.

She also noted that no passengers travelling in taxis died, although 14 were seriously injured.

According to ASP Nampiima, Traffic Police registered 171 accidents caused by reckless driving while pedestrians crossing or walking in the street or road unlawfully or without regard for approaching traffic, known as jaywalking, leading to hit and run accidents, were 17.

“Although we registered these accidents, none happened at the known blackspots because we had deployed at those points,” said ASP Nampiima.

“A total of 3070 traffic offenders were arrested and issued with Express Penalty Scheme tickets for various offences at checkpoints in various parts of the country.

Of these 644 were penalized for reckless driving, 422 for driving vehicles in dangerous mechanical conditions, 235 for having invalid driving licences, 164 for over speeding and 157 for not wearing seat belts among other traffic offences,” ASP Nampiima said.

She also restated police’s determination to crackdown on “errant drivers”, during the festive season and beyond.

“We remind all road users to stay vigilant and careful while on the roads. Avoid reckless driving since it is the major cause of accidents and fatalities,” she revealed.