By Cecilia Chiluba/Zambia/Lusaka
Zambia recorded a significant increase in road traffic offences, which stood at 47,224 cases between January 1 and March 31, 2026, compared to 35,748 recorded in the first quarter of 2025.
According to a statement issued by Zambia Police Service Public Relations Officer Godfrey Chilabi, the country also recorded 9,772 road traffic accidents during the period under review, representing a 10.9 percent increase from 8,809 accidents recorded in the same period last year.
“Of these accidents, 527 were fatal, resulting in 681 deaths, while 891 were serious accidents leading to 1,674 serious injuries,” Mr. Chilabi said.
He added that 2,006 accidents were classified as slight, resulting in 3,014 minor injuries, while 6,348 accidents involved damage to vehicles only.
Mr. Chilabi noted that Lusaka Province recorded the highest number of accidents at 5,241, accounting for 53.6 percent of the total, followed by Copperbelt Province with 1,194 and Central Province with 896, while Western Province recorded the lowest at 187.
He said in terms of monthly distribution, March recorded the highest number of accidents at 3,378, followed by February with 3,203 and January with 3,191.
Mr. Chilabi further reported that 363 children were involved in road traffic accidents, of which 52 died, 131 were seriously injured, and 180 sustained minor injuries.
He noted that most of the child victims were pedestrians and passengers.
Mr. Chilabi also revealed that 405 hit-and-run accidents were recorded, including 61 fatal cases, 74 serious injury cases, 87 slight injury cases, and 183 incidents involving damage only.
He attributed most of the accidents to human error, citing over-speeding, poor judgment of distance, failure to keep to the nearside of the road, and improper overtaking as the leading causes.
The Public Relations Officer, said the Zambia Police Service will intensify road safety awareness campaigns and enhance enforcement through motorized patrols in high-risk areas.
“The Service will also strengthen collaboration with key stakeholders to promote compliance with traffic regulations and improve road safety across the country,” Mr. Chilabi added.
