Tanzania Grapples With Alarming Road Accident Statistics

In her heartfelt New Year’s address on December 31, 2024, President Samia Suluhu Hassan shared her concerns over the high number of road accidents that have cast a shadow over the past year.

Reflecting on what she described as “a year marred by the nightmare of road accidents,” the President emphasized the urgent need for collective action to improve road safety across the country.

The statistics are sobering. According to the Tanzania Police Force, a total of 1,735 road accidents were recorded in 2024. These incidents claimed the lives of 1,715 people and left 2,719 others injured. The President expressed her dismay at these numbers, calling them a national tragedy that demands immediate attention.

“This is an alarmingly high number,” President Samia remarked. “Human error accounts for 97% of these incidents, with negligence, reckless driving, and speeding identified as the leading causes, making up 73.7% of all accidents.”

She called upon the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Police Force to intensify their efforts in combating these preventable tragedies. The President stressed the importance of enforcing traffic laws more effectively, providing better education for drivers, and increasing public awareness about road safety.

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President Samia also appealed to all Tanzanians to play their part in creating safer roads. She reminded drivers to prioritize safety over speed, pedestrians to exercise caution, and the public to report reckless behavior. “Road safety is everyone’s responsibility,” she stated, emphasizing that small actions can collectively save lives.

The government has already begun taking steps to address the issue. Initiatives include deploying more traffic police officers on highways, imposing stricter penalties for traffic violations, and working with stakeholders to enhance road infrastructure. However, the President acknowledged that these measures must be complemented by a cultural shift toward greater accountability and responsibility among road users.

In her address, President Samia extended her condolences to families who have lost loved ones in these tragic accidents. She reassured the nation that her administration is fully committed to reducing the number of road crashes and protecting the lives of all Tanzanians.

Looking forward to 2025, the President highlighted the need to leverage technology, such as speed-monitoring devices and improved surveillance systems, to bolster road safety efforts. She also encouraged collaboration between government agencies, private sector players, and community leaders to foster a unified approach to tackling this pressing issue.