Malawi’s roads claimed fewer lives this Mother’s Day holiday, but the danger was far from over as fatal crashes continued to cut journeys short.
The number of people killed in road accidents during this year’s Mother’s Day holiday has dropped from 10 to two, although fatal crashes continue to claim lives on Malawi’s roads.
Senior Superintendent Gladys Chiwaula, National Police Public Relations Officer, said police recorded six road accidents during this year’s holiday period, compared with seven during the corresponding period in 2025.
“This year’s Mother’s Day has witnessed a decrease in the total road accidents by 14.3 percent compared to the same period in 2025,” said Chiwaula.
Of the six accidents recorded this year, two were fatal and claimed two lives, compared with four fatal accidents that killed 10 people last year.
The figures represent an 80 percent reduction in deaths and a 50 percent decline in fatal accidents, offering relief to families travelling during the holiday.
Chiwaula attributed the improvement partly to intensified enforcement of traffic rules through patrols and checks conducted on roads across the country.
She also credited motorists and other road users for observing traffic regulations, saying their responsible behaviour contributed to the decline in accidents.
Despite the improvement, the two deaths recorded this year underline the risks road users continue to face, with police urging motorists to observe speed limits, avoid dangerous overtaking and refrain from driving under the influence of alcohol.
Pedestrians and cyclists have also been advised to exercise caution when using public roads.
The Malawi Police Service says road safety remains a collective responsibility, urging all road users to observe traffic regulations to protect lives and property.