The Zambia Police Service recorded 409 road traffic accidents across the country during the 2026 Heroes and Unity Holiday period, representing an 18.6 percent increase compared to the 345 accidents recorded during the corresponding period last year.
According to a statement issued to the media today by Zambia Police Service Public Relations Officer Godfrey Chilabi, the statistics cover the period from 18:00 hours on July 3rd, 2026, to 06:00 hours on July 8th, 2026, adding that 40 of the accidents were fatal, resulting in 43 deaths.
Mr Chilabi disclosed that 56 accidents were classified as serious injury accidents, leaving 93 people seriously injured, while 100 accidents were classified as slight injury accidents, resulting in 129 people sustaining minor injuries.
“The remaining 213 accidents were recorded as damage-only incidents,” added Mr Chilabi.
He narrated that provincial distribution indicates that Lusaka Province recorded the highest number of road traffic accidents with 176, followed by Copperbelt with 57, Southern with 38, North-Western with 32, Central with 27, Eastern and Luapula with 20, Muchinga 16, Western 14 and Northern Province with nine.
“A total of 20 hit-and-run accidents were recorded during the period under review. Of these, three were fatal, eight were serious injury accidents, three were slight injury accidents and six were damage-only accidents,” he noted.
Comparing the figures with the 2025 Heroes and Unity Holiday period, Mr. Chilabi explained that the 409 road traffic accidents recorded during the 2026 Heroes and Unity Holiday represent an increase of 64 accidents, translating into an 18.6 percent increase compared to the 345 accidents recorded during the corresponding period in 2025.
“Fatal accidents increased from 29 in 2025 to 40 in 2026, representing an increase of 11 fatal accidents. However, the number of people who died remained unchanged at 43. Serious injury accidents increased from 46 to 56, while the number of persons seriously injured reduced from 119 in 2025 to 93 in 2026, representing a decrease of 26 casualties,” he added.
He noted that slight injury accidents increased from 86 to 100, while the number of persons sustaining minor injuries increased from 117 to 129, adding that damage-only accidents also increased from 184 in 2025 to 213 in 2026, representing an increase of 29 accidents.
He however said overall, total casualties reduced from 279 in 2025 to 265 in 2026, representing a decrease of 14 casualties.
Meanwhile, as regards to Traffic Offences and Admission of Guilt Fines, Mr Chilabi said a total of 1,423 traffic offences were recorded during the 2026 Heroes and Unity Holiday period compared to 1,843 offences recorded during the corresponding period in 2025.
“This represents a reduction of 420 offences, translating into a 22.8 percent decrease. Admission of guilt fines collected during the period amounted to K666, 940.00,” he added.
He attributed most road traffic accidents recorded during the period to human error and that the major contributing factors included excessive speed, misjudging clearance, negligent reversing, failure to keep to the nearside and improper overtaking.
“The accidents recorded during the period were also influenced by non-compliance with traffic regulations and increased road traffic volume,” he added.
He observed that as election campaign activities intensify, increased movement of people and vehicles is expected, further urging all political party supporters and members of the public to comply with road traffic regulations and avoid unsafe behaviour on the roads.
Mr Chilabi also said the Police Service will strengthen traffic enforcement and road safety awareness campaigns, adding that any person found violating traffic laws will be dealt with in accordance with the law, regardless of political affiliation.
“All road users are urged to exercise caution, obey traffic rules and promote road safety throughout the campaign period and beyond,” appealed Mr Chilabi.
