Zambia recorded 12,865 road traffic accidents countrywide during the third quarter of 2026, covering the period from July 1 to September 30, with 859 people killed and 2,144 seriously injured, Police have said.
Of the total accidents, 747 were fatal, resulting in 859 deaths, while 1,202 were classified as serious-injury accidents.
In a statement issued in Lusaka on Wednesday, Police Spokesperson, Chipo Kaitisha, said 2,706 slight-injury accidents were recorded, in which 3,906 people sustained minor injuries, while 8,210 accidents involved damage to property only.
Lusaka Province recorded the highest number of accidents at 6,325, followed by Copperbelt with 2,378 and Central with 1,194.
Other provinces recorded Southern with 698 accidents, North-Western 632, Eastern 413, Muchinga 381, Luapula 319, Western 273 and Northern 252.
“The impact of accidents on children under the age of 16 remains a major concern, with 560 children recorded as casualties during the period,” Kaitisha said.
Of the child casualties, 91 died, 186 sustained serious injuries and 283 suffered minor injuries. The victims comprised 350 males and 210 females.
She said pedestrians and passengers in motor vehicles accounted for the majority of child victims.
A total of 410 hit-and-run accidents were recorded, of which 68 were fatal, 119 involved serious injuries, 95 involved slight injuries and 128 resulted in damage to property only.
“The figures highlight the continued occurrence of hit-and-run incidents and their serious consequences, noting that such accidents not only expose victims to further harm by delaying access to emergency assistance but also complicate investigations,” Kaitisha said.
Compared with the third quarter of 2025, when 10,126 accidents were recorded, the number increased by 2,739, representing approximately 27.1 percent.
Fatal accidents increased by 164, from 583 to 747, while deaths rose by 106, from 753 to 859.
Serious-injury accidents increased by 142, from 1,060 to 1,202, while slight-injury accidents rose by 747, from 1,959 to 2,706.
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Road traffic offences increased from 49,564 in the third quarter of 2025 to 50,100 in the same period of 2026, representing an increase of 536 offences.
However, revenue from admission-of-guilt fines decreased by K3,372,902, from K22,557,416 to K19,184,514.
Preliminary analysis indicated that human error remains a major contributing factor, with excessive speed accounting for 3,014 cases, misjudging clearance distance 1,897, failure to keep to the nearside 1,571, cutting in 1,231, and failure to obey traffic signs and signals 1,163.
“The Zambia Police Service will continue implementing proactive measures including intensifying road safety awareness campaigns, strengthening enforcement, enhancing public education on pedestrian safety and child protection,” Kaitisha said.
She said the Service would also strengthen collaboration with stakeholders and continue investigating road accidents, including hit-and-run incidents.
Kaitisha made a renewed appeal to all road users to prioritise safety, urging motorists to avoid excessive speed, never drive under the influence of alcohol, refrain from using mobile phones while driving, ensure vehicles were roadworthy and wear seat belts.
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