ABOUT 900 people died and 2,363 others sustained injuries in 2,116 road accidents that occurred countrywide between January and March, this year, the police announced in Dar es Salaam.
However, in just one month from March 11 to April 12, the road accidents claimed 103 lives in eight separate road accidents.
Traffic Police Commander Mohamed Mpinga, speaking in Dar es Salaam yesterday, blamed the accidents on various reasons, but mostly reckless driving by drivers as well as low participation of passengers and other road users in averting the road carnage.
"Most drivers use experience to drive cars where it may lead to the occurrence of accidents in the country. It is this unbecoming behaviour that has led to the deaths of many people," he said.
He said that on the other hand some accidents in the country are caused by road stakeholders who are not aware of their responsibilities.
The chief traffic policeman said that apart from the drivers who caused the accident due to their reckless driving, the owners of the cars were not in full control of their drivers who infringe upon traffic rules and regulations. He explained that other causes of road accidents include speeding, tiredness and smoking.
"We call upon all Tanzanians to lend us a hand to prevent road accidents, which cause deaths and injuries in the country," he said, observing that although accidents are caused by various reasons, it is the drivers who are mainly responsible for the safety of their passengers.
Mr Mpinga urged the passengers to provide information whenever a driver is speeding unnecessarily and violates road safety rules and regulations.
He elaborated that most of the accidents in the country are caused by drivers who depend on experience without observing the rules and regulations that govern driving.
The senior traffic police official said that in January, a total of 273 people died while in February, there were 236 accident victims.
In March, 357 people lost their lives on the road. Meanwhile, President Jakaya Kikwete has sent a message of condolence to the Morogoro Regional Commissioner (RC), Dr Rajabu Rutengwe, following road accidents that occurred over the weekend, killing 18 people and injuring 11 others.
A statement issued by the Directorate of Presidential Communications stated that the president had been deeply saddened by the deaths caused by the accident that occurred along Morogoro-Mbeya Highway involving a bus christened 'Nganga Express' and a truck.
