Benguela – A sum of 193 people died and more than 1,000 were injured, in the province of Benguela, as a result of 656 road accidents registered this year, ANGOP has learned.
The information was released on Sunday by the provincial commander of the National Police, Commissioner Aristófanes dos Santos, on the occasion of the celebration of the 3rd Sunday of November, World Day of Remembrance for Traffic Victims.
Aristofanes dos Santos reported that, compared to 2023, there was a decrease of 271 accidents, 20 deaths and 105 injuries, respectively.
The numbers point with particular emphasis to pedestrian accidents, with 270 cases, collisions between cars and motorbikes 132 and 87 misdirections.
The accidents caused damage valued at Akz 70.091.000 (US$ 76.687).
According to the official, taking into account the accident rate statistics, the situation is worrying, given the behavior of certain drivers, mainly motorcycle taxis.
Aristófanes dos Santos stated that it has been proven that the majority of these motorcycle taxi drivers are not qualified to drive, a situation that has already resulted in the seizure of more than 100 motorbikes without any documentation.
He made it known that, within the scope of road education, the viewing of real videos captured by the cameras of the Integrated Public Security Center (CISP) will take place in the next few days in municipal administrations, so that people can reflect on the drivers behavior.
"Irregular driving and failure to observe traffic signs are situations that have caused the loss of human lives", he said.
On the other hand, he urged the owners of driving schools to encourage students to ensure that the crosswalks are exclusively for pedestrians and must be respected.
"When the pedestrian is on the crosswalk, the driver has to stop", he said.
He also called on municipal administrations to periodically renew the crossings and improve signage.
Meanwhile, the vice-governor for the Social, Political and Economic sector, Kátia Cachuco, said that the government will continue to provide support in raising awareness and preventing road accidents, especially to motorcycle taxi drivers, who are those most involved in accidents.
The official informed that the government will invest in the creation of training centers, so that Kupapatas can learn the road code.
CRB/CF/jmc
