Ethiopia records 10,000 road accidents so far this year

By Ibrahim Tigli and Abebech Tamene

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia

Sixty-two people died in Ethiopia in 10,000 traffic accidents in the first eight months of 2016, the Federal Transport Authority said on Monday.

Sime Belay, director of road safety at the authority, said “6,886 persons were heavily injured, while 7,071 others sustained light injuries during the reported period.”

The previous year, 64 people were killed in 10,000 accidents, Belay said.

“Most of the accidents that occur in Ethiopia are caused by reckless drivers. The causes for the accidents include, drunk and drugged driving, excessive speed, failure to give way to pedestrians and violating traffic laws,” the director added.

Most of the accidents occur in the Oromia Region, he added.

The official highlighted the need for drug and alcohol testing equipment and high speed screeners in Ethiopia to prevent accidents and loss of human lives.

There are 700,000 vehicles in the country. Per capita car possession in Ethiopia stands at 3 cars per 1,000 people.