Transport and Logistics Minister, Frank Tayali, has called on all Zambians to confront the growing road safety crisis and take collective action to reduce the alarming rates of deaths and injuries resulting from road carnages.
Speaking at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross during this year’s World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, themed “Lost Talents”, Mr Tayali said road crashes continue to be one of Zambia’s leading causes of death and injury.
He pointed out that motorcyclists are increasingly becoming victims of such accidents.
He has since urged motorists to show great care on the roads and advocated for slower driving and heightened awareness about the risks involved.
Mr Tayali also outlined several key government initiatives aimed at improving road safety and reducing fatalities.
To ensure safer roads, Mr Tayali announced that the government is accelerating the construction of the Lusaka–Ndola dual carriageway, as well as nationwide rehabilitation projects to improve road markings, lighting, and junction safety.
On stronger enforcement, he said the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) is increasing patrols, implementing the demerit point system, monitoring fleet safety, and deploying Artificial Intelligence (AI) and average-speed cameras to enhance oversight.
Regarding motorcycle regulation, the Minister of Transport and Logistics reaffirmed that mandatory helmets and reflective jackets for motorcyclists will be strictly enforced with no compromises.
He also emphasised the government’s expanded nationwide campaigns aimed at raising awareness among all road users, from pedestrians to commercial drivers.
Mr Tayali also highlighted enhanced coordination with the Ministry of Health and hospitals to ensure that road accident victims receive timely medical care, rehabilitation, and psychological support.
The minister also stressed that the United Party for National Development (UPND) government is addressing infrastructure gaps, curbing reckless driving behaviour, and tackling corruption in enforcement systems.
“Reducing road crashes requires shared responsibility between both the public and private sectors,” Mr Tayali said.
And RTSA Chief Executive Officer, Amon Mweemba, echoed the need for intensified national action to prevent road traffic deaths.
Reflecting on Zambia’s participation in the global commemoration, Mr Mweemba presented sobering statistics and revealed that Zambia recorded 35,731 road traffic accidents in 2024, which resulted in 2,199 deaths and 5,798 serious injuries. Among those who died, 201 were children.
By the third quarter of 2025, Zambia had already recorded 28,312 road traffic accidents that claimed 1,830 lives, including 187 children.
Mr Mweemba reiterated RTSA’s dedication to the five internationally recognised pillars of road safety namely education, enforcement, engineering, emergency response and evaluation.
He also shared that RTSA has finalized new safety guidelines for buses transporting school going children, a step he described as vital to protecting Zambia’s most vulnerable road users.
Mr Mweemba has since urged all road users to take responsibility for their actions and work together to reduce road traffic accidents.
SORT OUT the corrupt and unruly police first
They are totally out of control now as is the rest of grz