Some 4,690 People Died In Road Accidents In 2022

By Jane Muia / Published January 20, 2023 | 10:19 am

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Meanwhile, the passengers and drivers who perished in road accidents in 2022 were 824 and 426 respectively from 746 and 446 in 2021.

Pedal cyclists accounted for 61 deaths compared to 87 deaths in 2021 while 442 pillion passengers died in 2022 compared to 451 who perished in 2021.

At least 21,760 people were involved in road accidents last year, the latest data by the National Transport and Safety Authority shows.

This is an increase from the 20,625 recorded in 2021.NTSA said 4,690 people died, up from 4,579 deaths in 2021. The rest were left mostly with life-changing injuries. At least 9,933 people were seriously injured while 7,137 were slightly injured.

Pedestrians account for the highest number of fatalities with the number rising to 1,682 in 2022 from 1,557 in 2021. They were followed by Bodaboda operators at 1,255 deaths, down from 1,271 in 2021.

Meanwhile, the passengers and drivers who perished in road accidents in 2022 were 824 and 426 respectively from 746 and 446 in 2021.

Pedal cyclists accounted for 61 deaths compared to 87 deaths in 2021 while 442 pillion passengers died in 2022 compared to 451 who perished in 2021.

According to NTSA, the leading causes of fatal crashes in 2022 were hit-and-runs, tire bursts, and vehicles and motorcycles losing control.

Others were improperly overtaking and failing to keep the proper lane resulting in head-on collisions. Motor vehicles and motorcycles also failed to keep proper distance leading to ramming into the rear end of other vehicles and motorcycles.

Also, issues of stalled vehicles being on the road without proper lighting or warning signs and pedestrians crossing the road without due led to the loss of lives in 2022.

A report by the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that every year the lives of approximately 1.3 million people are cut short as a result of a road traffic crash. Between 20 and 50 million more people suffer non-fatal injuries, with many incurring a disability as a result of their injury. Men are more likely to be involved in road accidents than women.

Pedestrians and cyclists are the most affected. WHO explains that when a vehicle is overspeeding, the death risk for pedestrians hit by car fronts rises rapidly 4.5 times from 50 km/h to 65 km/h. In addition, the fatality risk for a car-to-car crash is 85 percent at 65 km/h.