The Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety reveal that that boda boda related accidents have led to a number of deaths and injuries reported in the last seven days between July 7 to 13th, 2024.
During this period, 81 people died and 301 were injured with accidents predominantly affecting boda boda riders and their passengers, pedestrians, and vehicles.
Kananura Michael, the traffic spokesperson, attributed the accidents to careless overtaking, which accounted for 31 percent, and speeding, which accounted for 19 percent.
The fatalities included 35 motorcyclists, 28 pedestrians, 13 motorcycle passengers, 3 pedocyclists, and 1 driver. Kananura further explained that 59 percent of the accidents involved passengers and riders on motorcycles, while 35 percent of the deaths were pedestrians.
According to Kananura, one of the incidents occurred on July 14, 2024, when a trailer and a Tata Lorry collided on the Iganga-Bugiri Highway. The fuel tanker (ZG2941) traveling from Iganga to Bugiri lost control, veered into the oncoming lane, and collided with a Tata Lorry (UBG347D) carrying cement from Tororo. The impact caused both vehicles to catch fire, resulting in one person being burned beyond recognition. The identity of the deceased is still unknown due to the severity of the burns. The driver of the Tata Lorry survived but sustained major injuries and is currently receiving treatment in the hospital.
Another fatal accident involved an ambulance (UAY400Y) at Kitende along the Masaka-Kampala Highway. The ambulance, belonging to Specialist Dr. International, collided with two Bajaj motorcycles while attempting to overtake other cars on its way from Jinja to Kyotera.
Kananura reported that one rider died on the spot, while two others, including a passenger on the Bajaj, were injured. The ambulance driver, who was transporting a body, was found to be at fault for careless overtaking.
The Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety has urgeed all road users to exercise caution, adhere to traffic regulations, and avoid reckless behaviors such as speeding and careless overtaking.
Comments are closed.