Revealed: Why most fatal road accidents in Kenya happen during weekends

Most of the fatal road accidents in Kenya occur between Friday and Sunday, this is according to the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA). In a statement ahead of Sunday’s World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, the authority also said many of these accidents happen between 5pm and 10pm, the latter being the peak. NTSA attributed this trend o drunk driving, fatigue, speeding on major highways, reduced enforcement during these times, high volumes of traffic and pedestrians/rush hour, poor lighting at the pedestrian crossing points and major highways, as well as pedestrians crossing roads on unsafe spots. The figures from the authority also show that as per the period under review that came to an end on October 30, a total of 17,550 crash victims had been reported. Also read: Jailed fake doctor Mugo wa Wairimu convicted in more counts The number of fatalities recorded increased from 3,733 registered at the same time of year last year to 3,924. Serious injuries recorded reduced to 7,982 compared to 8,214 that was recorded in 2021. A total of 1,413 pedestrians have also lost their lives in accidents this year compared to 1,293 recorded last year, while the 356 drivers have died this year. Passengers who died due to accidents this year are 693, which is higher than 600 recorded last year. The motorcyclists killed through accidents so far are 1,046, an increase of 12 from the number recorded last year. Also read: Man in case that cost Shaffie Weru, DJ Joe Mfalme their jobs convicted The World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims is intended to respond to the great need of road crash victims for public recognition of their loss, and suffering. The authority has collaborated with various government agencies and the private sector to hold commemorative activities in various counties to mark the road victims’ day. The activities will be held in Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru, Kisumu, Nyeri, Embu, Meru, Kericho, Eldoret, Nyahururu, Kisii, Thika, Machakos, Narok, Laikipia, Baringo, Kakamega, Kitale, Garissa, and Voi. Some of the planned activities include interdenominational prayer service, testimonials by crash victims, free medical camps for drivers, road safety sensitization of vulnerable groups such as boda boda riders, vigils at crash spots, first aid training for first responders and road safety processions. In Nairobi, a road safety procession will be flagged off at the City Hall followed by a prayer service at the Milimani Law Courts. Also read: Police officer, civilian fight inside police station over debt