The Director-General of the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA), Abraham Amaliba, has blamed reckless driving and excessive speeding as the main causes of the sharp increase in road accidents recorded in 2025, dismissing claims that poor road infrastructure is the primary factor.
Provisional figures released by the NRSA indicate that 2,949 people were killed in 14,743 road traffic crashes nationwide between January and December 2025, marking a notable rise compared to the previous year.
Speaking on Channel One TV on Sunday, January 25, Mr Amaliba stressed that road safety is a shared responsibility, with drivers playing a critical role in preventing accidents.
He argued that, even in poor road conditions, adherence to traffic regulations and responsible driving could significantly reduce crashes and fatalities.
According to him, overspeeding remains the single most significant contributor to road accidents, as it stems directly from driver behaviour.
He noted that while road conditions may play a role, careful driving and compliance with speed limits could substantially reduce risk, regardless of infrastructure challenges.
Mr Amaliba further attributed the spike in accidents to the limited implementation of the NRSA’s Stay Alive campaign in 2025.
He explained that, following the restructuring of the Road Fund, funding constraints curtailed public education and outreach programmes during the period.
“Reckless driving and overspeeding. Even though poor roads also contribute, if you engage in safe driving, I have always said road safety is a shared responsibility. The drivers also have a responsibility to ensure they stay alive.
“So, overspeeding, which is the doing of the driver, is what contributes to more of the accidents and road crashes on our roads.
“The others could be a factor, but if you are careful and you simply abide by the limits, even with poor roads, we still could have reduced the numbers,” he said.
He, however, expressed confidence that road safety advocacy would regain momentum with the establishment of the Road Maintenance Fund and the release of promised resources, which he said would enable the Authority to intensify nationwide awareness campaigns aimed at saving lives.
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Source: www.myjoyonline.com