2017 Zambia Road Traffic Accidents Report

ROAD TRAFFIC CRASHES REPORT
Road Transport and Safety Agency
2017
ANNUAL
ROAD TRAFFIC
CRASHES
REPORT
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2017 ANNUAL
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The Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) was established by the Road Traffic Act No. 11
of 2002 as a body corporate with perpetual succession and a common seal. The Agency is
mandated by the Act to implement and coordinate road safety programmes that are aimed at
reducing the likelihood and impact of road crashes. The Agency is also mandated to undertake
activities relating to road transport and traffic management. Further, the RTSA has become a
substantial contributor of Government revenue to the Road Fund being the highest non-tax
revenue collector in the country.
Mission Statement
To manage the road transport system, protect and save lives, reduce number of crashes and
fatalities among all road users countrywide.
Vision Statement
To be a world-class regulator of a road transport system that ensures safety for all road users
Core Values
The RTSA shall conduct its business with the following values:
i. Excellence service;
ii. Integrity;
iii. Confidentiality;
iv. Fairness;
v. Transparency;
vi. Accountability; and
vii. Efficiency.
Strategic Objectives
The following are the strategic objectives for the period 2016 – 2018:
i. Improve road safety;
ii. Enhance road transport registration, examination and licensing;
iii. Undertake capacity building and enhance productivity of the work force;
iv. Develop and improve infrastructure; and
v. Efficient Management of revenue collection.
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CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY................................................................................................................................................................................................iv
DEFINITION OF CONCEPTS......................................................................................................................................................................................vi
1.0 INTRODUCTION...............................................................................................................................................................................................1
2.0 NATURE AND DISTRIBUTION OF ROAD TRAFFIC CRASHES...........................................................................................3
2.1 Classification of Road Traffic Crashes by Severity..........................................................................................................................3
2.2 Characterisation of Crashes per Province...........................................................................................................................................3
2.3 The Number of Fatal Crashes Recorded per quarter in 2016 and 2017..........................................................................6
2.4 Road Traffic Crashes recorded each month......................................................................................................................................6
2.5 Trends in Road Traffic Crashes recorded from 2006 to 2017..................................................................................................7
3.0 FATALITIES IN 2017..................................................................................................................................................................................... 12
3.1 Urban and Rural Fatalities......................................................................................................................................................................... 12
3.2 Number of Fatalities Recorded by Province................................................................................................................................... 13
3.3 Fatalities by Road User Type..................................................................................................................................................................... 14
3.4 Fatalities Among Children (Under 16 Years)................................................................................................................................... 15
4.0 SERIOUS INJURIES....................................................................................................................................................................................... 17
4.1 Trends in the Number of Serious Injuries........................................................................................................................................ 17
4.2 Urban and Rural Areas Injuries............................................................................................................................................................... 18
4.3 Serious Injuries by Province..................................................................................................................................................................... 18
4.4 Serious Injuries by Road User Type...................................................................................................................................................... 19
5.0 SLIGHT INJURIES.......................................................................................................................................................................................... 20
5.1 Slight Injuries by Province......................................................................................................................................................................... 20
5.2 Urban and Rural Slight Injuries............................................................................................................................................................... 21
5.3 Slight Injuries by Road User Type......................................................................................................................................................... 21
6.0 TYPES OF MOTOR VEHICLES IN ACCIDENTS........................................................................................................................... 22
7.0 THE TIME AND DAYS ROAD TRAFFIC CRASHES OCCURRENCE................................................................................ 23
7.1 Time of Road Traffic Accident Occurrence..................................................................................................................................... 23
7.2 Days of Road Traffic Accident Occurrence...................................................................................................................................... 23
8.0 CONTRIBUTORY FACTORS TO ROAD TRAFFIC CRASHES IN ZAMBIA................................................................... 25
8.1 Human Errors.................................................................................................................................................................................................... 27
8.2 Road Defects..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 30
8.3 Vehicle Defects................................................................................................................................................................................................. 30
8.4 Wandering Animals....................................................................................................................................................................................... 31
8.5 Weather Conditions...................................................................................................................................................................................... 32
9.0 ROAD SAFETY INERVENTIONS.......................................................................................................................................................... 34
9.1 Pillar I. Road safety management......................................................................................................................................................... 34
9.2 Pillar II. Safer Roads and Mobility........................................................................................................................................................... 35
10.0 RECOMMENDATIONS............................................................................................................................................................................... 49
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2.
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1: Classification of Road Traffic Crashes by Severity.....................................................................................................................3
Figure 2: Nature of Road Traffic Accidents recorded in the 2017........................................................................................................3
Figure 3: Percentage of RTCs recorded by province...................................................................................................................................4
Figure 4: Number of fatal crashes by province...............................................................................................................................................4
Figure 5: Percentage of Fatal Crashes by Province.......................................................................................................................................5
Figure 6: Comparison of RTCs and Fatalities by province........................................................................................................................5
Figure 7: Number of quarterly RTCs and fatalities for 2016 and 2017..............................................................................................6
Figure 8: Number of monthly RTCs recorded in 2017................................................................................................................................6
Figure 9: Number of road Traffic Crashes recorded from 2006 to 2017..........................................................................................7
Figure 10:Change in the number of RTCs from 2014 to 2017.................................................................................................................7
Figure 11: Change in the number of fatslities recorded form 2014 - 2017.....................................................................................8
Figure 12: Cumilative Motor Vehicle Registrations from 2005 - 2017.................................................................................................8
Figure 13: Zambia’s estimated yearly Population from 2006 - 2017....................................................................................................9
Figure 14: Number of Traffic Crashes per 10,000 vehicles from 2006-2017................................................................................. 10
Figure 15: Number of fatalities per 10,000 vehicles form 2006 – 2017........................................................................................... 10
Figure 16: Number of fatalities per 100,000 people from 2006 - 2017............................................................................................ 11
Figure 17: Number of fatalities recorded from 2006 - 2017................................................................................................................... 11
Figure 18: Percentage of urban and rural RTCs in 2017............................................................................................................................ 12
Figure 19: Percentage of Urban and rural fatalities recorded in 2017............................................................................................. 12
Figure 20: Percentage of fatalities recorded by province........................................................................................................................ 13
Figure 21:Percentage of fatalities to the total number of RTCs per province............................................................................. 14
Figure 22: Number of fetalities by road user type........................................................................................................................................ 14
Figure 23: Percentage of road accident fatalities by Road User Type.............................................................................................. 15
Figure 24: Number of Fatalities Among Children (Under 16 Years)................................................................................................... 15
Figure 25: Top four causes of child fatalities from 5 – 17 years worldwide.................................................................................. 16
Figure 26: Causes of fatal injuries worldwide.................................................................................................................................................. 17
Figure 27: Number of Serious injuries from 2011 to 2017...................................................................................................................... 18
Figure 28: Percentage of Serious Injuries in urban and rural areas.................................................................................................... 18
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Figure 29: Number of Serious Injuries by province..................................................................................................................................... 18
Figure 30: Percentage of persons seriously injured by province........................................................................................................ 19
Figure 31: Percentage of persons seriously injured by road user type........................................................................................... 19
Figure 32: Percentage of persons slightly injured by province............................................................................................................ 20
Figure 33: Percentage of persons slightly injured in urban and rural areas................................................................................. 20
Figure 34: Number of people slightly injured by province..................................................................................................................... 21
Figure 35: Percentage of people slightly injured by Road user type................................................................................................ 21
Figure 36: Number of Road traffic crashes by vehicle type.................................................................................................................... 22
Figure 37: Percentage of RTCs by vehicle type.............................................................................................................................................. 22
Figure 38: Number of road traffic crashes by time of day....................................................................................................................... 23
Figure 39: Percentage of road traffic crashes by tie of day..................................................................................................................... 23
Figure 40: Number of RTCs by day of the week............................................................................................................................................ 24
Figure 42: Tree diagram of the contributory factors................................................................................................................................... 26
Figure 43: Tree diagram showing the components of human error................................................................................................ 27
Figure 44: Percentage of crashes caused by human error from 2014 - 2017.............................................................................. 28
Figure 45: Two aspects of passenger error....................................................................................................................................................... 29
Figure 46: Percentage of the various components of Pedestrian Error.......................................................................................... 29
Figure 47: Percentage of the components of road defects................................................................................................................... 30
Figure 48: Countries applying priority UN vehicle safety standards................................................................................................. 30
Figure 49: Percentage of types of vehicle defects....................................................................................................................................... 31
Figure 50: Percentage of the three components of wandering animals....................................................................................... 31
Figure 51: Components of Road Weather Conditions............................................................................................................................... 32
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Zindaba Soko - Director and CEO, RTSA
This is a report on road traffic crashes for the year 2017. The report
gives a descriptive analysis of road traffic crash statistics collected
from Zambia Police. Zambia Police collects and compiles data on
all road traffic crashes (RTCs), fatalities and injuries country wide.
During the year under review a total of 30,163 road traffic crashes
were recorded. Out of these RTCs motor vehicle damages only
accounted for 67% slight RTCs in nature were represented by 19%
with serious RTCs accounting for 10% and fatal RTCs contributing
a proportion of 5%). Lusaka Province contributed 15,977 RTCs
accounting for 53% of the total RTCs recorded in 2017 while the
rest of the provinces constituted 47%. The number of RTCs reduced
by 6.8 % from 32,350 in 2016 to 30,163 in 2016
A total of 1,989 fatalities as a result of RTCs were recorded in 2017.
There was a decrease from 2,206 in 2016 to 1989 in 2017 by 10%.
Of all the fatalities rural areas accounted for 55%, while urban
areas constituted 45%. A larger proportion of fatalities represented
pedestrians and accounted for 49%. The data suggests that
pedestrians were predominantly the most risk road users followed
by motor vehicle passengers.
In 2017 a total of 5,500 people were seriously injured. Motor
vehicle passengers constituted a larger proportion and accounted
for 46%).
The contributory factors to RTCs and their effects are quiet
numerous. These factors were summarized as factors resulting
from human error, motor vehicle defect, road condition, weather
condition and animals wandering about. Out of these causes,
human error accounted for 86.8%. When human error contributory
factors were singled out and critically analysed, the analysis
reviewed that of the 25885 RTCs involving human errors, driver
errors constituted for 86.2%.
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Editorial Team
Chuncky Kanchele
Head – Statistics and Research
Moses Mwale Emmanuel Kanyenda

Statistical Officer Assistant Research Officer
Victor Kayamba Mwaba Mabo

Intern Intern
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DEFINITION OF CONCEPTS
Bus: Includes ‘State Transit Authority’ bus and long distance/tourist coach.
Car: Includes sedan, station wagon, utility (based on car design), panel van (based on car design), coupe,
hatchback, sports car, passenger van and four wheel drive passenger vehicle.
Casualty: Any person killed or injured as a result of a crash.
Casualty: Any road user involved in a road crash or an accident.
Damages only: Road Traffic Crashes which do not involve any bodily harm.
Driver: A controller of a motor vehicle other than a motorcycle.

Fatal crash: A crash for which there is at least one fatality.
Fatality: A person who dies within 30 days of a crash as a result of injuries received in that crash.
Fatality: A death occurring as a result of road traffic crash or an accident.
Heavy rigid truck: Comprised of rigid lorry and rigid tanker with a tare weight in excess of 4.5 tonnes.
Heavy truck: Comprised of heavy rigid truck and articulated truck.
Injured: A person who is injured as a result of a crash, and who does not die as a result of those injuries within
30 days of the crash.
Killed: See Fatality.
Light truck: Includes panel van (not based on car design), utility (not based on car design) and mobile vending
vehicle.
Motor vehicle: Any road vehicle which is mechanically or electrically powered but not operated on rails.
Motorcycle Driver: A person occupying the controlling position of a motorcycle.
Motorcycle passenger: A person on but not controlling a motorcycle.
Motorcycle: Any mechanically or electrically propelled two or three-wheeled machine with or without side-car.
Includes solo motorcycle, motorcycle with sidecar, motor scooter, mini-bike, three-wheeled special
mobility vehicle and moped (motorized ‘pedal cycle’).
Passenger: Any person, other than the controller, who is in, on, boarding, entering, alighting or falling from a
road vehicle at the time of the crash, provided a portion of the person is in/on the road vehicle.
Pedal cycle Any two or three-wheeled device operated solely by pedals and propelled by human
power except toy vehicles or other pedestrian conveyances. Includes bicycles with side-car, trailer
or training wheels attached.
Pedal cycle Driver: A person occupying the controlling position of a pedal cycle.
Pedal cycle passenger: A person on but not controlling a pedal cycle.
Pedestrian: Any person who is not in, on, boarding, entering, alighting or falling from a road vehicle at the time
of the crash.
Road Traffic Crash: Any apparently unpremeditated event reported to the police and resulting in death, injury or
property damage attributable to the movement of a road vehicle on a road.
Road users: These include all motor vehicle drivers, pedestrians, passengers (motor vehicle, motor cycle and
bicycle), motor cycle drivers and cyclists.
Rural accidents: Accidents or crashes occurring outside a radius of 10Km of a Municipal or Township Council.
Serious injury: An injury of severe nature arising from a road traffic crash or accident that usually requires emergency
evacuation to a nearest or specialised hospital or health centre.
Slight injury: An injury of less severity in nature arising from a road traffic crash or an accident that is usually in the
category of minor bruises which do not lead to evacuation to a nearest specialised hospitalisation
or health centre.
Urban accidents: Accidents or crashes occurring within a radius of 10Km of a Municipal or Township Council.
Vulnerable road users: These include all road users’ pedestrians such as children, the disabled, the aged, the insane and
cyclists who are always competing for road usage with motorists.
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1.0
INTRODUCTION
The Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) was established through an act of parliament under the Road Traffic Act
number 11 of 2002 under the Ministry of Transport and Communications. RTSA is a corporate body responsible for
implementing the Policy on road transport and traffic management, Road Safety and enforcement of road transport
and safety laws in Zambia.
Road Transport plays a vital role in all economic activities in Zambia, contributing to economic growth via quicker
mobility of goods, services and people. In recent years, Road transport has diversified, grown and become more
important to the Zambian economy and surrounding countries. As a result of this trend, there is greater awareness of
levels of quality within different parts of the Road transport sector. Road transport so far accounts for 90 percent of all
local transportation in Zambia and is without doubt critical to the development of the transport sector and ultimately
the general economy. Investment in safer vehicles, safer road users and safer better conditioned roads is optimally
critical for economic development in Zambia. It is Zambia’s goal to enhance economic development of the prioritized
economic sectors through provision of improved quality of road transport.
The population of Zambia as captured during the 2010 Census of Population and Housing stood at 13,092,666. In
relation to the 2010 Census of Population and Housing report, this represented a 32.4 percent increase from the
population of 9,885,591 people captured during the 2000 Census. The population in rural areas increased from
6,458,729 in 2000 to 7,919,216 in 2010, representing an increase of 22.6 percent between the two Censuses. The
population in urban areas grew by 51.0 percent from a population of 3,426,862 in 2000 to 5,173,450 in 2010. Thus, a
large population of people in Zambia live in rural areas (Zambia Census Report; 2010).
Zambia has a total gazette Road Network of length of 67,671 km. The Road network comprises Trunk, Main, District,
Urban and Primary Feeder roads. In recent years, the conditions of most of Zambia’s roads have received a face lift and
have improved greatly. In 2014, 87 percent Trunk, Main, District, paved roads were classified as good which signifies
that it is 69 percent higher than it was in 2009 (RDA; 2014).
Zambia has experienced an economic growth over the last decade. This confidence in the economic outlook is
reflected in the hasty growth in the purchase of motor vehicles. The majority of these motor vehicles are bought from
the second market and imported from outside Zambia. On average, about 52,656 motor vehicles have been registered
in Zambia every year from 2008 to 2017. In 2008 the motor vehicle fleet in Zambia stood at 277,870. This figure has
increased to 737,671 in 2017.
Road traffic crashes, injuries and fatalities have of late become a global public health and development problem,
especially within low- and mid-income level countries (LMIC) and Zambia is no exception. Ninety percent (90%)
of the world’s road traffic deaths occur in low-and mid-income level countries. Road traffic crashes have been
ranked third highest cause of death in Zambia after HIV and AIDS, and malaria. Road traffic crashes and fatalities are
disproportionately distributed across population groups. Many of those most affected belong to the most vulnerable
populations in society such as pedestrians, cyclists, unsecured passengers, the insane people and children below the
age of 16 years.
The increased use of motorized vehicle in Zambia has also contributed to greater motor vehicle related injuries and
fatalities among other factors. safety.
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2017 Road Traffic Crash Statistics

fatalities were recorded
on Zambian Roads in Road Trafffic Accidents by Province
2017
Northern
Luapula
Muchinga
N/Western
reduction from 2,206 fatalities C/Belt
recorded in 2016
Eastern
Central
Road Traffic Accidents by Severity
Western Lusaka
Southern
Rural vs Urban Fatalities
45%
Fatal Serious Slight Damage
Only
Fatalities by Road user type

55%
10%
of those killed in road
traffic crashes were
of persons killed were
motor vehicle drivers and
children under the age of
passengers 16
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2.0
NATURE AND DISTRIBUTION OF ROAD TRAFFIC CRASHES
2.1 Classification of Road Traffic Crashes by Severity

Road traffic crashes are classified in terms of their severity. The country recorded a total of 30,163 RTCs out of which
5% (n=1436, N = 30,163) of them were fatal, 10% (n=301, N = 30, 1637) were serious, 19% (n=5625, N = 30,163) were
slight and 66% (n=20085, N = 30,163) were classified as vehicle damage only. Figure 1 shows that, the severity of road
traffic crashes reduced in all categories. The notable reduction is seen fatal crashes which reduced from 1682 in 2016
to 1436 in 2017 representing a 14.6% decrease. The significant decline in fatal crashes correlates with the reduction in
the of fatalities (lives lost)
2.2 Characterisation of Crashes per Province

The 30,163 RTCs recorded in 2017 represented a 7% decline from the number of RTCs recorded in the year 2016.
Of these accidents, 53% occurred in Lusaka province and 16% occurred on the Copperbelt Province. The smallest
numbers were recorded in Western, Northern , Luapula and Muchinga Provinces. This higher number of damages
only are usually recorded in provinces with higher motor vehicle and human population and related economic
activities such as Lusaka. Motor vehicle damages are a cost to insurance companies and burden to the road sector
budget through replacements of damaged road furniture. The ultimate effect is on the Gross Domestic Product.
Figure 2: Nature of Road Traffic Accidents recorded in the 2017
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Figure 3: Percentage of RTCs recorded by province
The proportion of RTCs is significantly higher in highly urbanized provinces like Lusaka (53%), Copperbelt (16%) and
Central. This is as a result of the relatively bigger population and motorization levels in these provinces. As the levels of
motorization continues to grow in these provinces, the country need to put in place adequate road safety measures
to mitigate the number of RTCs.
Figure 4: Number of fatal crashes by province
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Figure 5:Percentage of Fatal Crashes by Province

It is worth pointing out that the percentage of fatal RTCs in all the provinces apart from Lusaka and Central Province
is higher than the percentage of RTCs. For example, though Muchinga province has 2% of the total number of RTCs
in Zambia, the province recorded 6% of total number of fatalities. The chances of an RTC being fatal in Muchinga
Province is 12% as compared to 3% in Lusaka Province. Lusaka province recorded 53% of the RTCs but the chances of
a fatal crash in Lusaka is 3%. 14% of RTCs in Northern Province are fatal. The chances of an RTC being fatal is higher in
Rural areas than in urban areas.
Figure 6: Comparison of RTCs and Fatalities by province
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2.3 The Number of Fatal Crashes Recorded per quarter in 2016 and 2017
The first quarter of 2017 recorded 7068 RTCs which was 8% less than the 7704 RTCs recorded in first quarter of 2016.
This country recorded a rising trend in the number of RTCs from the second quarter through to the fourth quarter of
2017. The total number of RTCs recorded in 2017 was however 6.8% less than the 32,350 RTCs recorded in 2016.
Figure 7:Number of quarterly RTCs and fatalities for 2016 and 2017
2.4 Road Traffic Crashes recorded each month
Figure 8: Number of monthly RTCs recorded in 2017
The month of February recorded the lowest number of RTCs (2207) while November recorded the highest number of
RTCs (2813). The graph shows that the number of RTCs increased in the second half of the year.
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2.5 Trends in Road Traffic Crashes recorded from 2006 to 2017
The number of road traffic crashes recorded from 2006 to 2017 are presented in figure 12. The figure shows that the
number of RTCs peaked in 2015 with 33,672. The years 2016 and 2017 have since recorded a declining trend in the
number of RTCs posting a 3.9% decline in 2016 and a 6.8% decline in 2017, which translates into a reducing decreasing
trend. The figure further shows that there was an increasing trend between consecutive years from 2010 to 2015.
Continuous road safety interventions resulted in a reduction of road traffic crashes as observed in the data presented
in the figure. Slowly we are responding to proclamation enshrined in the 2011-2020 United Nations Decade of Action
of stabilizing and reducing fatalities resulting from road traffic crashes by 50% by 2020.
Figure 9: Number of road Traffic Crashes recorded from 2006 to 2017
The figure below shows that the years 2010 – 2012 recorded a rising number of both RTCs and Fatalities with the
number of fatalities in 2012 recording an astronomical 41% increasing from the number in 2011. The year 2013
recorded a 3% rise in the number on RTCs and a massive 22% drop in the number of fatalities. The years 2016 and
2017 recorded a 4% and 7% drop in the number of RTCs respectively.

Trend in road traffic crashes from 2014 - 2017
The figure shows the change in the number of road traffic crashes from 2014 to 2017. In the figure it is shown that the
number of RTCs increased by 3,274 in 2014, in 2015 number of RTCs increased by 1,280. Then in 2016 RTCs reduced
by 1,322 while in 2017 number of RTCs reduced by an absolute figure of 2,187. Between 2014 and 2015 the number
of RTCs were increasing with a decreasing trend while from 2015 to 2017 number of RTCs reduced with a decreasing
trend. In general the number of RTCs have declined between 2014 to 2017.
Figure 10:Change in the number of RTCs from 2014 to 2017
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Trend in fatalities from 2014 - 2017

The figure shows the change in the number of fatalities from 2014 to 2017. In the figure it is shown that the number
of fatalities increased by 7 in 2014, in 2015 number of fatalities increased exponentially by 255. Then in 2016 fatalities
increased by 93 while in 2017 number of fatalities reduced by an absolute figure of 217. Between 2014 and 2015 the
number of fatalities were increasing with an increasing trend. In between 2015 and 2017 number of fatalities reduced
with a decreasing trend. In general the number of fatalities showed and decline between 2015 to 2017.
Figure 11: Change in the number of fatslities recorded form 2014 - 2017
Cumulative motor vehicle population

Zambia has experienced an economic growth over the last decade. This confidence in the economic outlook is
reflected in the hasty growth in the purchase of motor vehicles. The majority of these motor vehicles are bought from
the second market and imported from outside Zambia. On average, about 53,000 motor vehicles have been registered
in Zambia every year from 2005 to 2017. In 2005 the motor vehicle fleet in Zambia stood at 168,638. This figure has
increased to 737,671 in 2017. It is has been assumed that an increase in motor vehicle and human population has a
corresponding increase in the number of RTCs and fatalities. However converse is true in our case, although the motor
vehicle and human population increased in the last three years, the number of RTCs show a declining trend from 2014
to 2017 while fatalities show a declining trend from 2015 to 2017. This clear indication that road safety interventions
are yielding desired results.
Figure 12: Cumilative Motor Vehicle Registrations from 2005 - 2017
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Human population
The population of Zambia as captured during the 2010 Census of Population and Housing stood at 13,092,666. In
relation to the 2010 Census of Population and Housing report, this represented a 32.4 percent increase from the
population of 9,885,591 people captured during the 2000 Census. The population in rural areas increased from
6,458,729 in 2000 to 7,919,216 in 2010, representing an increase of 22.6 percent between the two Censuses. The
population in urban areas grew by 51.0 percent from a population of 3,426,862 in 2000 to 5,173,450 in 2010. Thus,
a large population of people in Zambia live in rural areas (Zambia Census Report; 2010). In 2017, Zambia’s human
population was estimated to be 17,094,000. If there are no interventions to mitigate road traffic crashes, statistically
an increase in human population has a corresponding increase resultant increase in the number of fatalities and road
traffic crashes. However the situation is not the same, the number of fatalities and road traffic crashes have reduced
significantly. These is a result of numerous road safety interventions, the Agency has put in place aim at alleviating the
epidemic of road traffic crashes.

Figure 13: Zambia’s estimated yearly Population from 2006 - 2017
Road traffic crashes per 10,000 motor vehicles

Another important indicator for measuring the impact road safety interventions is the use of relative measures such
as the number of RTCs per 10,000 motor vehicles. The country has shown a downward trend in the number of RTCs
recorded since 2006. The number of RTCs per 10,000 motor vehicles has declined by 53% since 2006
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Figure 14: Number of Traffic Crashes per 10,000 vehicles from 2006-2017

Fatalities per 10,000 motor vehicles and 100,000 population
Another significant road safety performance indicator is the number of fatalities per 10,000 vehicles and per 100,000
population. The figure below show that the country has seen a declining trend in the number of fatalities per 10,000
motor vehicles and per 100,000 population from 2015.
Figure 15: Number of fatalities per 10,000 vehicles form 2006 – 2017
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Figure 16: Number of fatalities per 100,000 people from 2006 - 2017
The figure below shows the number of fatalities from 2006 to 2017. From 2006, the country has seen a rising trend
in the number of lives lost on our roads. The year 2017 however saw a 10% decline in the number of lives lost on
our roads. This decline can be attributed to the various interventions which the Agency has put in place targeted at
reducing the number of RTCs.
Figure 17: Number of fatalities recorded from 2006 - 2017
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3.0
FATALITIES IN 2017
3.1 Urban and Rural Fatalities
During the year under review, a total of 1,989 fatalities were recorded. Out of the recorded fatalities, inter-urban area
roads accounted for 55% (n=1,093) while the urban area roads accounted for 45% (n=896). The number of fatalities
was high in inter-urban area roads compared to urban area roads. Motor vehicles that causes crashes in in inter-
urban area roads are not from rural areas as assumed. These are vehicles coming from urban areas where the speed
limit is relatively lower than that of in inter-urban area roads. Researchers have proposed a wide range of potential
explanations for the differences in motor vehicle injury fatality rates between inter-urban area roads and urban area
roads. Most motorists tend to exceed the permissible speed limit, this contributes to higher fatality and injury rates
in an event of road traffic crashes. Thus inter-urban area roads may be more severe than urban crashes (because of
differing speed limits or road conditions); inter-urban area roads victims may not receive medical attention as quickly
as urban crash victims; and the quality of the medical response may not be as good1. Therefore inter-urban area roads
may be less safe than urban roads.
Figure 18: Percentage of urban and rural RTCs in 2017
Figure 19: Percentage of Urban and rural fatalities recorded in 2017

__________________
1 Zwerling C, Peek-Asa C, Whitten PS, et al Fatal motor vehicle crashes in rural and urban areas: decomposing rates into contributing factors Injury Prevention 2005;11:24-28.
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3.2 Number of Fatalities Recorded by Province

Table : Number of persons Killed by province
Table 1: The number of RTCs and fatalities recorded by province.
DIVISION ACCIDENT REPORTED PERSONS KILLED

URBAN RURAL TOTAL
LUSAKA 15977 327 147 474
C/BELT 4874 248 186 434
CENTRAL 2066 145 171 316
SOUTHERN 1757 40 130 170
EASTERN 1586 46 109 155
NORTHERN 595 32 88 120
LUAPULA 710 13 58 71
N/WESTERN 1322 14 68 82
WESTERN 546 10 51 61
MUCHINGA 730 21 85 106
TOTAL 30163 896 1093 1989
Table 1 above shows that a total of 1,989 lives were lost on Zambian roads country wide in 2017. The highest number
of fatalities were recorded in Lusaka Province, Copperbelt and Central Provinces. The lowest number of fatalities were
recorded in North-western, Luapula and Western Province.
Figure 20: Percentage of fatalities recorded by province
From the figure 21 below, we see that though Lusaka Province had the highest proportion of fatalities recorded
country wide, only 3% of the RTCs were fatal. 20% of the RTCs recorded in Northern Province were fatal and 15% of
the RTCs in Muchinga province were fatal. The chances of a fatal RTC in Central Northern and Muchinga Province is
disproportionately high. The reasons for these high fatality rates range from under-reporting of RTCs in these provinces
(only Serious crashes are reported), Vastness of the provinces and inadequate post-crash care in these provinces.
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Figure 21:Percentage of fatalities to the total number of RTCs per province.
Lusaka province recorded 24% of the total number of fatalities in the country. Furthermore, out of the total number of
RTCs in Lusaka province only 3% of them were fatal. Northern province recorded 6% of the total number of fatalities
but the chances of a crash being fatal in Northern Province are 20%.
3.3 Fatalities by Road User Type
Road infrastructure in the developing world is increasingly focusing on mobility and economic efficiency at the
expense of road safety, particularly for non-motorized road users who are usually the most vulnerable. Almost half
of all deaths on the world’s roads are among those with the least protection – motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians.
Pedestrians and cyclists share the same road with fast-moving vehicles, forcing them to negotiate dangerous situations
and traffic. Planning decisions need to be made to factor in the needs of all types of road users – for example, provision
of cycle paths and footpaths.
Figure 22: Number of fatalities by road user type
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The 2017 data reveals that 49% (n=980, N=1989) of all fatalities were among pedestrians, 23% (n=460) were among
motor vehicle passengers and 13% motor vehicle drivers. Measures need to be put in place to reduce the number
of deaths: education campaigns, legal enforcement and infrastructure improvements (pedestrian crossing design,
visibility).
Figure 23: Percentage of road accident fatalities by Road User Type
A total of 203 children under the age of 16 lost their lives on our roads in 2017. 61% were boys and 39% (n=80) were
girls. This increased risk for boys is presumably to be due to greater exposure to traffic, as well as a tendency for boys
to take more risks than girls, especially as adolescents3.
Lusaka province recorded the highest number of fatalities with 23% and Western province recorded the least number
of fatalities Many roads in Zambia are built without due consideration for the communities they pass though and so
in order to mitigate the high levels of child fatalities, efforts need to be made to ensure that roads being built serve the
needs of and are safe for all who use them, including children.
Figure 24: Number of Fatalities Among Children (Under 16 Years)

___________________________
3 Ten Strategies for Keeping Children Safe on The Road. http://www.who.int/roadsafety/week/2015/Ten_Strategies_For_Keeping_Children_Safe_on_the_Road.
pdf
15
No single measure adequately addresses the vast range of risks to children on the road, however, there are steps that
each family, community, and country can take to improve road safety for children. The United Nations Decade of
Action for Road Safety 2011–2020 offers a broad framework for taking these and other actions to keep children safe
on the road.
Figure 25: Top four causes of child fatalities from 5 – 17 years worldwide
Source: World Health Organization, Global Health Estimates, 2014
16
4.0
SERIOUS INJURIES
Road traffic injuries cause great emotional, physical and economic damage to any country. All the players in the road
sector have a moral imperative to minimize such losses. Road traffic injuries consume massive financial resources
which low and middle income countries cannot afford to lose. In 2002, road traffic injuries were the 11th leading cause
of death worldwide and accounted for 2.1% of all deaths globally. Furthermore, these road traffic deaths accounted for
23% of all injury deaths worldwide4.
Figure 26: Causes of fatal injuries worldwide.

Source: WHO Global Burden of Disease Project, 2002
4.1 Trends in the Number of Serious Injuries

In the year under review, a total of 3,017 serious road traffic crashes were reported in which 5,500 victims were injured.
The number of serious injuries reduced, from the recorded 6,432 serious injuries in 2016, representing 14.5% reduction.
__________________________
4 WHO, Road Traffic Injury Prevention Training Manual 2006
17
Figure 27: Number of Serious injuries from 2011 to 2017
4.2 Urban and Inter-Urban Road Injuries
In 2017, 2,862 (52%) people sustained serious injuries in urban roads while 2,638 (48%) people were seriously injured
in inter-urban roads. There is a change in trend, the past three years more victims used to be serious injured on inter-
urban roads compared to urban roads.
Figure 28: Percentage of Serious Injuries in urban and rural areas
4.3 Serious Injuries by Province
Figure 29: Number of Serious Injuries by province
18
Lusaka province recorded the highest number of serious injuries (27%) followed by Copperbelt (17%), Central (11%),
Southern (11%) and Eastern Provinces (8%).
Figure 30: Percentage of persons seriously injured by province
4.4 Serious Injuries by Road User Type

Motor vehicle passengers accounted for 46% (n=2519) of the serious injuries in 2017. Pedestrians, motor vehicle
drivers, pedal cyclists, motor cycle drivers, passenger and pedal cycle passengers represented 27%, 13%, 6%, 4% 2%
and 2% respectively.
Figure 31: Percentage of persons seriously injured by road user type
19
5.0
SLIGHT INJURIES
5.1 Slight Injuries by Province
Figure 32: Percentage of persons slightly injured by province
RTC injuries such as sprains, bruises or cuts which are considered not to be severe are classified as slight injuries. The
2017 traffic data revealed that 36% of slight injuries were recorded in Lusaka province and the least number of slight
injuries were recorded in Western province (2%). Lusaka has continued to recorded the higher of slight injuries be of
the corresponding higher number of road traffic crashes in that provinces and which are damages only in nature.
5.2 Urban and Rural Slight Injuries
The graph shows that there are more slight injuries recorded in urban areas that in rural areas. This is partially due to
the fact that many slight RTCs in rural areas are not reported to the police. People are more likely to report a serious or
fatal RTC that a slight one. There is also overwhelming evidence that a larger number of slight RTCs are recorded on
urban roads which correlates to the number of slight injuries significantly.
Figure 33: Percentage of pers ons slightly injured in urban and rural areas
20
5.3 Slight Injuries by Road User Type
Figure 34: Number of people slightly injured by province

36% of the slight injuries recorded were from motor vehicle passengers, 33% were from pedestrians, 15% motor
vehicle drivers. The least number of slight injury incidences came from Pedal Cycle passengers (1%), motor cycle
passengers (2%) and Motor cycle drivers (4%).
Figure 35: Percentage of people slightly injured by Road user type
21
6.0
TYPES OF MOTOR VEHICLES IN ACCIDENTS
Figure 36: Number of Road traffic crashes by vehicle type
More than half (59%) of RTCs involved private vehicles, 11% involved passenger carrying buses, 13% involved goods
vehicles and 17% involved the other categories of vehicles.
Figure 37: Percentage of RTCs by vehicle type
22
7.0
THE TIME AND DAYS ROAD TRAFFIC CRASHES
OCCURRENCE
7.1 Time of Road Traffic Accident Occurrence
Figure 38: Number of road traffic crashes by time of day
Figures 40% of RTCs occurred between 18:00hrs and 07:00hrs. A disproportionate number of road traffic crashes
occur during the night. In a bid to address this problem, the Zambian Government, through the Ministry of Transport
and the Road Transport and Safety Agency in the third quarter of 2016 issued a statutory instrument banning the
movement of Public Service Vehicles from 21:00 to 05:00 hours. The law has greatly contributed in the reduction of
night time RTCs.
7.2 Days of Road Traffic Accident Occurrence

Figure 39: Percentage of road traffic crashes by tie of day
23
Figure 40: Number of RTCs by day of the week
The figure 41 above shows that 16% and 17% of RTCs occur on Friday and Saturday respectively. More people take
long distance trips out of town during the weekends. Furthermore, more people are involved and merry making and
alcohol consumption during weekends and this could have contributed to the higher number of crashes recorded
over the week end.
24
8.0
CONTRIBUTORY FACTORS TO ROAD TRAFFIC CRASHES IN
ZAMBIA
Factors contributing to RTC are classified into five categories: environmental or weather conditions, vehicle defects,
human errors, road defects and wandering animals. Analysis of the 2017 data has revealed that human errors continues
to significantly outweigh all other contributory factors to RTCs in Zambia. Human error includes such factors as over
speeding, misjudgment of clearance distance, failing to keep near side, driving under the influence of alcohol etc.
The second highest identifiable factor was motor vehicle defects (1.5%). RTCs involving wandering animals (1.3%),
obstructions (0.3%), road defects (0.2%) and weather conditions (0.05%) were also recorded in significant numbers.
These proportions reveal that changing attitudes and road user behavior is the key factor when it comes to reducing
the numbers of RTCs on our roads.
Overtaking Improperly
Driver under
influence of Alcohol
25
Figure 42: Tree diagram of the contributory factors
26
Figure 43: Tree diagram showing the components of human error
27
8.1 Human Errors
Human error factors are being compared from 2014 to 2017. The figure below shows that the percentage of RTCS
attributed to human errors have been gradually declining from 2015.
Figure 44: Percentage of crashes caused by human error from 2014 - 2017
8.1.1 Driver Error

The top five driver errors include: over speeding, misjudging of clearance distances, failing to keep near side of the
lane, cutting in and reversing negligently. Driving under the influence of alcohol comes in at number 12 accounting
for 0.5% of the total road traffic crashes.
Truck was hit into by a Red Bomber passenger bus as a result of dangerous parking and obstruction
28
8.1.2 Passenger Error
Figure 45: Two aspects of passenger error
Passenger errors are mainly categorized in to two with the first one being Passengers falling from a vehicle and the
second one is negligence on the part of a bus conductor. The majority of these cases were passengers falling off a
vehicle recording 91% and bus conductor negligence was the cause 9% of the time.
8.1.3 Pedestrian Error
Figure 46: Percentage of the various components of Pedestrian Error
RTC contributory factors involving pedestrians include; crossing the road, walking or standing, playing on the road,
sudden illness and pedestrians being knocked as a result of being under the influence of alcohol. Measures such as
footpaths, cycling lanes, safe crossing points, and other traffic calming measures can be critical to reducing the risk of
injury among these road users.
8.1.4 Cyclist Error
Relatively few RTCs were attributed to cyclist errors in 2017. 41 (2%) RTCs were recorded which were attributed to
a pedal cyclist holding on to another vehicle while in motion. There is need to direct more road safety education
activities towards cycle training in order to reduce the risks associated with cycling.
29
8.2 Road Defects
The road network has an effect on crash risk because it determines how road users perceive their environment. Road
factors include those where a road defect directly triggers a crash, where some element of the road environment
misleads a road user and thereby creates error, or where some feasible physical alteration to the road would have
made the crash less likely1. Knowledge of road parameters affecting road safety can help to plan, design, build and
maintain the road infrastructure to facilitate a safe road environment.
The data shows that 72% of the RTCs attributed to Road defects were caused by a poor road surface and 28% were
caused by other road conditions such as obscured view etc.
Figure 47: Percentage of the components of road defects

8.3 Vehicle Defects
Safe vehicles play a critical role both in averting crashes and reducing the likelihood of serious injury in the event of a
crash. The rapid motorization experienced in the country over the last two decades means that there is urgent need
for minimum vehicle standards to be implemented in order to minimize the number of RTCs.
Figure 48: Countries applying priority UN vehicle safety standards

Source: WHO, Global Status Report on Road Safety.
1 WHO, Road Safety Training Manual.
30
Figure 49: Percentage of types of vehicle defects
The figure above shows that 41% of RTCs caused by vehicle defects were attributed to faulty tyres and 30% of the
crashes were caused by faulty brakes.
It is important that the country takes steps to ensure basic standards are met for second hand vehicles being imported
into the country. The Zambian Governments has a responsibility to take the steps needed to ensure its citizens have
access to safe vehicles.
8.4 Wandering Animals
Figure 50: Percentage of the three components of wandering animals
31
Most animals are unpredictable, easily scared and often panic at the sight of a motor vehicle. Animals wander onto
or cross a road without any thought of oncoming traffic. Road users have to be alert to the dangers of animals on the
road. Analysis of the data shows that 85% of all RTCs attributed to wandering animals were caused by domestic animal
(the most common of which were dogs.) Wild animals accounted for 7% of these RTCs.
Even though the behavior of animals might be unpredictable, there is much safety to be found in preventative
measures and community involvement. More educational campaigns are required to this effect.
8.5 Weather Conditions
Figure 51: Components of Road Weather Conditions
This statistic shows that 15 RTCs (0.05%) were caused by weather conditions. About 60% of these crashes were
attributed to heavy down pours. To combat this danger, drivers should be encouraged to drive slower on wet roads
and increase the following distance between vehicles. Tire care is also critical; properly inflated tires in good condition
can be extremely beneficial in bad weather conditions.
Sun glare was the second most common reason for weather related crashes accounting for 40%. Driving toward
the sun from sunrise to sunset can impair the driver’s visibility. To compensate for reduced visibility caused by glare,
drivers can slow down in order to react to the unseen circumstances. Dark sunglasses and the sun visor can also help
the driver to see better and diminish some of the effects of sun glare and reflected light from windows and chrome.
The responsibility rests on each and every driver to prevent accidents by protecting themselves and their vehicles
against the effects of environmental dangers to the best of their ability. Sadly, negligence on the road continues to
result in preventable deaths and injuries.
32
Seat-belts: the facts

Wearing a seat-belt reduces the risk of a fatal injury by:
Up to Up to
50%
for front seat
75%for rear seat
occupants occupants
Seat-belt laws should cover both To effectively increase

front and rear seat occupants seat-belt wearing rates,
legislation must be supported
111
with strong and sustained
police enforcement:
countries have comprehensive
seat-belt laws covering all car
occupants. Only a quarter of all
countries report good
This covers
4.8 billion
enforcement of their
seat-belt laws.
people... or
69% of the world’s population
Countries with a national

seat-belt law covering
all car occupants
Source: Global status report on road safety 2013

www.who.int/violence_injury_prevention/road_safety_status
33
9.
ROAD SAFETY INTERVENTIONS
The fight against the scourge on road traffic crashes has been receiving attention. This evidenced from proclamation
of the 211- 2020 global decade of action whose primary objective is reduce road traffic crashes and fatalities by 50%
by 20120. The sustainable development goals have also re-emphasised the importance of promoting road safety by
incorporating goals number three (3.6) and eleven (11.2) which states that By 2020 halve the number of global deaths
and injuries from road traffic accidents and by 2030 provide access to safe, affordable accessible and sustainable
transport for all, improving road safety, notably by expanding public transport with special attention to needs of those
in vulnerable situations, women, children, persons with disabilities and older persons respectively.
Despite a declining trend in RTCs and fatalities the road transport and safety Agency has not relented in fighting the
scourge against road traffic crashes. The Agency has been implementing safety interventions in line with the 2011-
2020 global decade of action and SDG (3.6 and 11.2) declarations. RTSA road safety intervention activities are target
oriented usually addressing a certain class road users bearing in mind that road users have diverse needs on road
usage.
During the year 2017, the Agency undertook several road safety interventions. Some of the notable ones are highlighted
in section below.
9.1. Pillar I. Road safety management
Pillar 1 of the United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011 -2020 focuses on the institutional framework
needed to implement road safety activities, thereby setting the oversight of all other pillars.
9.1.1. Implementation of Guidelines for Safe Use of Public Roads, Speedways and Racecourses by Motor
Clubs
During the year under review the Agency printed 500 copies of the approved Guidelines for Safe Use of Public Roads,
Speedways and Racecourses by Motor Clubs.
9.1.2. Road Safety Policy, Strategy and Action Plan
The consulting services to develop a Road Safety Policy, Strategy and Action Plan was supported by the Road Transport
Sector Capacity Building Programme funded by the European Development Fund (EDF).
9.1.3. Fleet Safety Management Guide for Public Service Vehicle Operators
During the year under review the Agency completed the drafting of a Fleet Safety Management Guide for Public
Service Vehicle Operators. The Agency further introduced the guide to, and conducted an initial fleet safety risk
assessment on 11 bus operators in Lusaka and 20 bus operators on the Copperbelt as a pilot, to determine their
institutional risk status and recommend measures for action.
The Agency further conducted performance fleet risk audits on 11 out of 20 and 9 out of 11 piloted bus operators on
the Copperbelt and Lusaka respectively. 9 and 2 operators on the Copperbelt and Lusaka respectively were not ready
for the exercise.
34
MTC, RTSA and GRSP team conducting a performance fleet risk audit in Ndola. Far right is RK motors proprietor
Richard Katongo.
9.1.4. Construction of a Road Safety Park in Lusaka
Road Safety School Park in Lusaka was completed and launched in October 2017.
Mary queen of Peace school pupils, during official opening of the road safety school park in Silverest-Chongwe.
9.2. Pillar ii - Safer Roads and Mobility

Pillar 2 of the United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011 -2020 highlights the need to improve the safety of
road networks for the benefit of all road users, especially the most vulnerable: pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcyclists.
Activities include improving the safety-conscious planning, design, construction and operation of roads; making sure
35
that roads are regularly assessed for safety; and encouraging relevant authorities to consider all forms of transport and
types of safe infrastructure when they respond to the mobility needs of road users.
In order to contribute to the attainment of safer roads and mobility, the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA),
carried out Road Safety Audits (RSAs) and Road Safety Inspections (RSIs).
9.2.1. Road Safety Audits (RSAs)
A Road Safety Audit (RSA) is a formal procedure for independent assessment of the accident potential and likely
safety performance of a specific design for a road or traffic scheme – whether new construction or an alteration to an
existing road. The principle behind it is that ‘prevention is better than cure’. Road user error is the major cause of road
accidents, but defects in the road environment (poor alignment, inadequate signing, dangerous obstacles, etc.) are a
contributory factor in many cases. Remedying these defects at the design stage is an economic and effective way of
reducing road accidents and preventing injury.
Road safety audits assess how the road will work when it becomes open to use by traffic, focusing on the safety of road
users - including pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists. A Road Safety Audit Report identifies any road safety deficiencies
in the design stage and recommends ways in which these can be overcome.
During the year under review the Road Transport and Safety Agency through the Road Safety Engineering Committee
made road safety comments on the Draft Design Review Road Safety Audit Report for the T2 Road between Chinsali and
Nakonde. The Agency agreed with most of the recommendations by the consultant and provided recommendations
(refer to annex):
9.2.2. Road Safety Inspections (RSIs)
A Road Safety Inspection (RSI) is a formal safety performance examination of an existing road. It qualitatively estimates
and reports on potential road safety issues and identifies opportunities for improvement in safety for all road users.
During the year under review the Agency through the Road Safety Engineering Committee conducted Road Safety
Inspections for the Rehabilitation of the portion of the T4 Road between Luangwa Bridge and Mwami Border and the
Mongu to Kalabo Road.
The major issues arising from the inspections were as follows (refer to annex)
9.3. Safer Vehicles
Pillar No.3 focuses on ensuring that standards are reviewed for all motor vehicles as well as related safety equipment
such as seat belts and helmets for motor cycles and bicycles – and law enforcement needs to strengthened to
ensure compliance with international best practices, including regulations related to import of vehicles. Further, law
enforcement in accordance with good practice as critical in enhancing safety to ensure adherence to basic safety
standards including speed, seat belts, alcohol, helmets and fatigue management.
9.3.1 Mobile licensing and Examination

During the course of the year, mobile licensing and examinations were conducted in various provinces. This activities
is usually in areas where RTSA has no presence. The activity, involves testing drivers in the field and examining motor
vehicles for fitness. The rationale is have licenced drivers and road worth motor vehicles in rural areas to achieve the
goal on safer vehicles.
36

RTSA team conducting mobile examination and RTSA team conducting mobile licensing in Mwinilunga

licensing in Kaoma. In picture motorcycle raider North Western province
undergoing test in Kaoma
9.3.2 Mechanised motor vehicle testing equipment

The Agency has mechanised testing equipment in four towns namely Ndola, Lusaka, Kabwe and Livingstone. The
equipment reduces the element of subjectivity during motor vehicle examination. During the year a total of 3,188
motor vehicles were tested by the motor vehicle testing equipment. Of this figure 2,314 motor vehicles passed while
874 failed the test.
RTSA Head Finance and Deputy Director Safety inspecting mechanised motor vehicle testing equipment in Livingstone
37
9.3.3 Fast Track Court in Lusaka

During the year under review, the fast track court in Lusaka attended to a total number of 3,696 traffic offences and
secured 3,148 convictions.
PSV passenger driver convicted for use of hand held

9.3.4 Tow Truck Operations
The tow truck operations were conducted around Lusaka, Kabwe and the main highways. In 2017, a total number of
142 motor vehicles were towed to safety.
RTSA tow truck, towing a broken truck to safety

9.3.5 Ban on Night Driving
During the year under review, the Agency enforced Statutory Instrument number 76 restricting Night Driving which
was introduced in November 2016. A total of 724 PSV goods and 43 PSV passengers were impounded for abrogating
SI 76 of 2016. The operation involved RTSA and ZP jointly.
38
9.3.6 Drink Driving Operations

The agency in conjunction with SABMiller and Zambia Police carried out three days joint Drink Driving operation on
the Copperbelt from May 25th, 2017 to May 27th, 2017
A total number of 192 road traffic offences were recorded with 49 Motorist found Driving under the influence of
alcohol. Of the 49 motorist 27 motorists were above the Limit and 22 were below the limit.
RTSA enforcement team, conducting an operation on drink driving.

The driver about tested positive with a breath alcohol concentration of 0.84 mg/L
9.3.7 Intercity Bus Terminus Inspections.

Daily Inspections are carried out on all Public Service Buses exiting Intercity Bus Terminus from 05:00hours to 17:00hours.
This is done in order to verify Driver competence, compliance and experience as well as ascertain road worthiness of
the bus, check validity of tokens and educate in order to increase awareness of Road Safety issues.
During the year 2017, 26,657 buses were inspected before exiting Intercity Bus Terminus.
RTSA officer inspecing bus at intercity RTSA checking bus tyres at intercity
39
RTSA officer inspecting buses at intercity
9.3.8 Highway Patrols.

In order to ensure ongoing compliance by motorists the Agency conducted Four (4) Joint Highway operations around
the country. The total number of offences recorded during the Joint Highway Patrol’s was 11,980 offences.
ZP and RTSA officer conducting joint speed management
40
Pillar No. 4 - Safer Road Users
Pillar No.4 highlights the need to focus on ensuring that standards and rules governing the provision of license to
private, commercial and public transport drivers are reviewed. Legislation and institutional framework regarding
driving schools, instructor training and testing, driver testing, driving license system, and passenger transport need
to be reviewed and modernized. While on the hand Road Safety Education and Publicity at bring about the desired
change in road user behaviour for the purpose of preserving their lives.
Road safety team distributed a total of 3,921 reflective vests for wheel barrow pushes in Lusaka
Road Safety Clubs

During the year under review, the Education & Publicity Unit Officers inspected a total number of 110 schools in order
to monitor how the road safety clubs and traffic warden schemes were performing.
41
RTSA education officer Stanley Mulenga sharing road safety with a school club in Chilanga
9.4.2 Sensitization at Intercity Bus Terminus

The Agency continued to conduct road safety awareness to passengers and drivers at the Intercity Bus Terminus.
During the year a total of 18,268 buses and 870,662 passengers were reached
RTSA road safety team sensitizing passengers at KMB bus station in Kitwe
42
9.4.3 Road Safety Awareness

Annual events attract large homogeneous population from different parts of the country. These annual events includes
traditional ceremonies,UN road safety week, choova cycling contest, world day remembrance of accident victims and
road safety week.
RTSA road safety officer, Linda Sakala sharing road safety message in Eastern province
9.4.4 Traditional Ceremonies

During the under review, the agency took part in the Nc’wala Ceremony in Eastern Province, Kuomboka Traditional
Ceremony (Western Province) and the Kulamba Ceremony in Eastern Province. Sensitization activities were in form of
road shows and information kiosks at main arenas.
ZP officer Yorum Phiri and RTSA officer Stanley Mulenga explaining the use helmet to cyclists
during N’cwala traditional ceremony.
43
9.4.5 UN Road Safety Week

The Agency, with the involvement of stakeholders, commemorated the Fourth UN Road Safety Week in Lusaka from
8-14 May, 2017 under the theme ‘Save Lives, Slow Down.’ The Week focused on speed as a key risk factor causing road
traffic deaths and injuries and what could be done to address the situation.
RTSA road safety team at Kulima tower bus station during UN road safety week
9.4.6 Choova Cycling Contest

The Agency took part in the Choova Cycling Contest in Eastern Province under the theme “Observing Road Safety
through Sports, Tourism and Cultural Diversity’’. Road safety sensitization was conducted by holding two road shows
and information kiosks. A radio programme and road safety adverts were aired on Breeze Fm Radio Station in Chipata.
Promotional road safety materials were distributed to the public during the activities.
RTSA road safety team demonstrating and distributing helmets during choova cycle competition
44
9.4.7 Exhibitions
The Agency took part in major public exhibitions where it interacted with members of the public. The displays drew a
lot of attention from road users seeking information on road safety as well as services offered by RTSA. The exhibitions
served as platforms at which the public were sensitized on road safety for all road users. Members of the public were
also able to air their views on their experience on the road safety. During exhibitions drivers renewed their driver’s
licenses.
i. Zambia International Trade Fair from 28th June, 2017 to 4th July, 2017
H.E, Edgar C. Lungu renewing Driver license during trade fair.
9.4.8 World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims

The Agency commemorated the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims on 19th November, 2017 under
the theme: “2020 Target: Reduce road fatalities and serious injuries by 50%”.
ZP officers lead the match past during the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims
45
9.4.9 Road Safety Week

The Agency commemorated the Road Safety Week from 18th – 23rd December, 2017 under the theme: “ROAD SAFETY:
A WAY OF LIFE – Slow, Sober, Secure, Silent, Sharp, Seen”
RTSA Board and Management commemorating road safety week
Road safety team at Makeni Mall during road safety week, distributing road safety materials
46
9.4.10 Passenger, Pedestrian and Cyclist Association (PAPECA)

The Agency in collaboration with Passenger, Pedestrian and Cyclist Association (PAPECA) conducted road safety
awareness on the Kitwe to Lusaka route. Promotional road safety materials were given to members of the general
public. A long this road stretch a total of 7 road shows were conducted
Road safety officer Linda Sakala demonstrating and fixing a bell on bicycle in Kapiri Mposhi.
9.4.11 Accident prone Areas – Mazabuka to Choma

The Agency conducted road safety sensitization along the accident sites between Mazabuka and Choma. Road safety
materials such as brochures, placed reflective stickers on bicycles to help in cyclist visibility were distributed. The road
safety message was targeting truck and bus drivers, pedestrians and cyclists. Road Shows and Information Kiosks were
staged at Kaleya grounds, Monze at Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula stadium, and Choma town centre.
Road safety team sensitizing road users in Monze
47
9.4.12 Billboards
The Agency erected (04) four bill boards along the Lusaka Ndola Road on G Rutherford advertising space. The Bill
boards were placed in the following areas: Chisamba at the Chisamba Great North road turn off, On Great North Road
between Kabwe and Kapiri Mposhi, Ndola at Mufulira traffic circle and Ndola on Nkana road
Billboards with road safety message reminding motor vehicle drivers not to drive while tired. Drivers and
passengers must always wear seats belts
48
10
RECOMMENDATIONS
In the face of rapidly increasing motorization in the country, the reduction in the numbers of RTCs and fatalities
recorded in 2017 is an indication of the progress that has been made over the last two years. Efforts to further reduce
road traffic crashes need to be augmented if the targets set for the Sustainable Development Goals – a halving of
deaths by 2020 – are to be met.
We propose the following interventions towards halving the numbers of road traffic crashes and fatalities by 2020:
1. Increase the number of enforcement, education and publicity activities. More work is needed to explore the
best ways to optimize enforcement of existing road safety laws. Educational campaigns need to be conducted
to support and maximize the effects of the enforcement unit.
2. More attention should be paid to the needs of pedestrians, pedal cyclists and motorcyclists, who together
make up 63% of the road traffic fatalities in Zambia. Making our roads safer will not be possible unless the
needs of these road users are considered in all approaches to road safety.
3. Hasten the roll-out of the Accident Information Systems (AIS) so that accurate and timely accident information
can be collected for appropriate interventions and policy formulation;
4. Making cars safer is a critical component of saving lives on the roads. Seat-belts and child safety seats must
be included in all vehicles. Law enforcers must impose strict and harsh penalties for use of hand-held mobile
phones while driving.
5. There is a need to train more specialists in road traffic injury prevention in order to address the growing
problem of road traffic injuries at international and national levels.
49
50
51
52
2017 Road Traffic Crash Statistics

fatalities were recorded
on Zambian Roads in Road Trafffic Accidents by Province
2017
Northern
Luapula
Muchinga
N/Western
reduction from 2,206 fatalities C/Belt
recorded in 2016
Eastern
Central
Road Traffic Accidents by Severity
Western Lusaka
Southern
Rural vs Urban Fatalities
45%
Fatal Serious Slight Damage
Only
Fatalities by Road user type

55%
10%
of those killed in road
traffic crashes were
of persons killed were
motor vehicle drivers and
children under the age of
passengers 16
53

2017 Zambia Road Traffic Accidents Report

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ROAD TRAFFIC CRASHES REPORT

Road Transport and Safety Agency

Road Transport and Safety Agency

Road Transport and Safety Agency

Figure 1: Classification of Road Traffic Crashes by Severity.....................................................................................................................3

Figure 2: Nature of Road Traffic Accidents recorded in the 2017........................................................................................................3

Figure 3: Percentage of RTCs recorded by province...................................................................................................................................4

Figure 4: Number of fatal crashes by province...............................................................................................................................................4

Figure 5: Percentage of Fatal Crashes by Province.......................................................................................................................................5

Figure 6: Comparison of RTCs and Fatalities by province........................................................................................................................5

Figure 8: Number of monthly RTCs recorded in 2017................................................................................................................................6

Figure 9: Number of road Traffic Crashes recorded from 2006 to 2017..........................................................................................7

Figure 10:Change in the number of RTCs from 2014 to 2017.................................................................................................................7

Figure 12: Cumilative Motor Vehicle Registrations from 2005 - 2017.................................................................................................8

Figure 13: Zambia’s estimated yearly Population from 2006 - 2017....................................................................................................9

Figure 17: Number of fatalities recorded from 2006 - 2017................................................................................................................... 11

Figure 18: Percentage of urban and rural RTCs in 2017............................................................................................................................ 12

Figure 19: Percentage of Urban and rural fatalities recorded in 2017............................................................................................. 12

Figure 20: Percentage of fatalities recorded by province........................................................................................................................ 13

Figure 21:Percentage of fatalities to the total number of RTCs per province............................................................................. 14

Figure 22: Number of fetalities by road user type........................................................................................................................................ 14

Figure 23: Percentage of road accident fatalities by Road User Type.............................................................................................. 15

Figure 24: Number of Fatalities Among Children (Under 16 Years)................................................................................................... 15

Figure 26: Causes of fatal injuries worldwide.................................................................................................................................................. 17

Figure 27: Number of Serious injuries from 2011 to 2017...................................................................................................................... 18

Figure 28: Percentage of Serious Injuries in urban and rural areas.................................................................................................... 18

Figure 29: Number of Serious Injuries by province..................................................................................................................................... 18

Figure 30: Percentage of persons seriously injured by province........................................................................................................ 19

Figure 31: Percentage of persons seriously injured by road user type........................................................................................... 19

Figure 32: Percentage of persons slightly injured by province............................................................................................................ 20

Figure 34: Number of people slightly injured by province..................................................................................................................... 21

Figure 35: Percentage of people slightly injured by Road user type................................................................................................ 21

Figure 36: Number of Road traffic crashes by vehicle type.................................................................................................................... 22

Figure 37: Percentage of RTCs by vehicle type.............................................................................................................................................. 22

Figure 38: Number of road traffic crashes by time of day....................................................................................................................... 23

Figure 39: Percentage of road traffic crashes by tie of day..................................................................................................................... 23

Figure 40: Number of RTCs by day of the week............................................................................................................................................ 24

Figure 42: Tree diagram of the contributory factors................................................................................................................................... 26

Figure 43: Tree diagram showing the components of human error................................................................................................ 27

Figure 45: Two aspects of passenger error....................................................................................................................................................... 29

Figure 46: Percentage of the various components of Pedestrian Error.......................................................................................... 29

Figure 47: Percentage of the components of road defects................................................................................................................... 30

Figure 48: Countries applying priority UN vehicle safety standards................................................................................................. 30

Figure 49: Percentage of types of vehicle defects....................................................................................................................................... 31

Figure 50: Percentage of the three components of wandering animals....................................................................................... 31

Figure 51: Components of Road Weather Conditions............................................................................................................................... 32

Zindaba Soko - Director and CEO, RTSA

Moses Mwale Emmanuel Kanyenda

Victor Kayamba Mwaba Mabo

Driver: A controller of a motor vehicle other than a motorcycle.

2017 Road Traffic Crash Statistics

Rural vs Urban Fatalities

Fatalities by Road user type

2.1 Classification of Road Traffic Crashes by Severity

2.2 Characterisation of Crashes per Province

Figure 2: Nature of Road Traffic Accidents recorded in the 2017

Figure 3: Percentage of RTCs recorded by province

Figure 4: Number of fatal crashes by province

Figure 5:Percentage of Fatal Crashes by Province

Figure 6: Comparison of RTCs and Fatalities by province

2.4 Road Traffic Crashes recorded each month

Figure 8: Number of monthly RTCs recorded in 2017

2.5 Trends in Road Traffic Crashes recorded from 2006 to 2017

Figure 9: Number of road Traffic Crashes recorded from 2006 to 2017