By Kato Jamil
According to Daily Monitor, former Vice President Dr Wandira Kazibwe was last evening rushed to hospital after the car she was driving in rammed into a utility pole at Wakisi village on Njeru-Kayunga road.
According to police, the front tyre of the Toyota Land Cruiser in which Dr Kazibwe and Louis Igapira Wandira, 17, were driving raptured before the driver, Fred Kayongo veered off the road and rammed into the pole.
Road accidents in Uganda and Africa at large remain a significant concern, with the continent recording some of the highest rates of traffic-related injuries and fatalities worldwide. Key factors contributing to this crisis include inadequate infrastructure, poor enforcement of traffic laws, and limited access to emergency medical care. Below is an overview of the situation:
Statistics & Trends
- High Fatality Rates:
Africa accounts for approximately 20% of global road traffic deaths despite having only 3% of the world’s vehicles. - Vulnerable Road Users:
Pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists are disproportionately affected, making up nearly half of the fatalities. - Youth at Risk:
Road accidents are a leading cause of death among young people aged 15-29 in Africa.
Impact Of Road Accidents
- Economic Costs:
Road accidents cost African countries up to 3% of their GDP annually due to medical expenses, lost productivity, and infrastructure damage. - Health System Strain:
The number of accident victims often overwhelms emergency services and hospitals, reducing their capacity to respond to other emergencies. - Social Consequences:
Families lose breadwinners, and communities face long-term socio-economic setbacks.
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