• He said the accidents had been occasioned by preventable and predictable factors.
• Shioso has urged citizens to cooperate with the enforcements officers during the crackdown.
Image: NPS
The National Police Service has launched a countrywide crackdown on unroadworthy vehicles.
This follows a reported increase in the number of accidents in the country between January 1 and September 26 compared to last year.
"We have recorded a total of 15,924 road crashes victims countrywide; 3,541 victims were fatally injured, 7,236 persons seriously injured, while 5,147 victims were slightly Injured," NPS said.
In a statement, Police spokesperson Bruno Shioso said the accidents had been occasioned by preventable and predictable factors.
He added that non-usage or seat belts by commuters, driver behaviour such as speeding leading to loss of control in high occupancy vehicles and poor mechanical condition of vehicles resulting in brake failures and tyre bursts were some of the noted causes.
"On its part. NTSA will continue sensitizing Public Service Vehicle (PSV). Heavy Commercial Vehicle (HCV) and boda boda operators. pillion passengers and pedestrians on road safety as NPS conducts a countrywide enforcement initiative scheduled from 28th September 2022," Shioso said.
He noted that during the crackdown focus will be on: Road Service licence (RSL) validity verification for all PSVs, PSV route compliance check, PSV Licence and badge validity verification and Motor vehicle Inspection sticker verification for (PSVs and commercial vehicles).
NPS will also be looking out for Fleet Speed monitoring, lane discipline enforcement and dangerous overtaking, as well as the use of seatbelt by passengers.
Shioso has urged citizens to cooperate with the enforcements officers during the crackdown.
"We note that our roads can be unforgiving and we all have a responsibility to use them safely," he said.
"Families are dealing with the devasting impact of these crashes as many are thrusted into financial distress and poverty due to the costs implications attributed to treatment and rehabilitation. As road users. we must prioritize efforts to deal with this surge."