New statistics have shown that there were at least 40 percent pedestrian fatalities reported as in the period ending December 31, which marked an 18.4 percent drop compared to the previous year.
In 2015, there were 1,344 pedestrian fatalities compared to 1,097 last year, a significant drop which has been attributed to putting in place of pedestrian interventions to address the situation though a new challenge is emerging from accidents caused by motorcycles.
However, there was an increase in fatalities for drivers, statistics standing at 339 in 2015 to 315 last year, passengers death was at 668 but rose to 729 while motorcycle deaths rose from 637 to 718 within the same period.
Releasing the findings in Nairobi today, National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) Director General Francis Meja said there was a general reduction in fatalities, with the number standing at 2,965 as at December last year stood at compared to 3,057 the previous year.
While the national pedestrian fatalities reduced to 18.4 percent, motorcycle related deaths increased by 12.7 percent.
“Most fatal road traffic Crashes occur between 1730 hours to 2200 hours, the peak being 2000 Hours in 2016 and 2200 hours in 2015/16 and was majorly attributed to high speed traffic, drunken driving, Motorcycles operating at night with poor visibility and lack of the right gear –reflective jackets hence not seen by fast flowing traffic among others,” Meja said.
Meja was also concerned that fatalities are reported among the the age bracket between 15 and 29 years, which he termed as unfortunate since they are the most productive sector.
