Majority of deaths on roads occurred on Sunday - NTSA

By Peter Ochieng

Sunday accounted for the highest number of people killed in road accidents in October, 2023.

In a report, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) says over 60 people died in road accidents on a Sunday in the month of October, due to what has been termed as increased activities during the weekend.

NTSA said out of the 330 deaths reported, at least 63 of them occurred on a Sunday.

"Friday, Saturday and Sunday account for over 50 per cent of the total fatalities recorded," the report reads in part.

"Sunday had the highest fatalities in October 2023 with 63 deaths. Friday, Saturday and Sunday contribute to the highest number of fatalities at 50 per cent."

The report adds that Saturday recorded 55 deaths, Monday 47, Tuesday 35, Wednesday 45, Thursday 43 and Friday 42, with most of the fatal accidents happening between 6pm and 9pm.

"This is largely attributed to reduced enforcement during these times, high volumes of traffic and pedestrians due to the rush hour and pedestrians crossing at non-designated or unsafe areas and getting knocked down by speeding vehicles," the report says.

The Authority in its report also linked poor lighting at the pedestrian crossing points and major highways, driver fatigue and drunk driving as some of the contributing factors to the accidents.

According to NTSA, 3,609 people lost their lives in road accidents from January to December, 2023.

The figures imply an 8.31 per cent drop in the number of deaths on roads compared to a similar period a year ago.

Road accident deaths from January to October, 2023 stood at 3,936.

This year, January recorded 379 deaths, February had 340, March 389, April 357, May had 340, June 439, July 325, August 327, September 338 and October 330.