Malawi Sees 21% Drop In Christmas Road Accidents, But Fatalities Rise

By Smile Hamilton, Malawi

The Malawi Police Service (MPS) has announced a 21% decrease in road accidents during the 2024 Christmas holiday, with 19 accidents reported compared to 24 in 2023.

However, a troubling trend has emerged: the number of fatalities has increased significantly, rising from 8 deaths last year to 13 this year.

According to Harry Namwaza, Deputy Service Public Relations Officer, while the decline in accidents is commendable, the rise in fatalities is a concern.

“The tragic loss of life serves as a stark reminder that every cloud has a silver lining; even amidst improvements, dangers still lurk on the roads,” he said.

The statistics reveal that among the deceased, 5 were motorcyclists and 2 were pedestrians, highlighting the importance of responsible road behavior.

In response to these challenges, MPS enforced traffic regulations during the holiday period, resulting in numerous motorists being booked for various offenses, including speeding, exceeding seating capacity, driving under the influence, and using unroadworthy vehicles.

As the festive season continues, the police urge all road users to remain vigilant and comply with traffic rules to prevent further accidents.

This concern is not unique to the Christmas season, as road accidents remain a major concern in Malawi, with 4,977 accidents recorded in 2023, resulting in 389 fatalities.

To combat this issue, the MPS has been working to intensify traffic checks, day and night patrols, and sensitization meetings on road safety.

The police service has also appealed to all road users to be cautious when using public roads, especially during the festive season.

In addition to these efforts, the MPS has reported that most road accidents involve pedestrians and pedal cyclists.

This highlights the need for increased awareness and education on road safety, particularly among these vulnerable groups.

As Malawi continues to grapple with the challenges of road safety, it is essential that all stakeholders, including the government, law enforcement agencies, and the general public, work together to address this critical issue.

By promoting responsible road behavior, enforcing traffic regulations, and raising awareness about road safety, Malawi can reduce the number of road accidents and fatalities, and create a safer transportation environment for all.