Road Transport and Safety Agency

2021 ROAD TRANSPORT

AND SAFETY STATUS
REPORT

Head Office
Road Safety House
Dedan Kimathi Road
P.O. Box 32167
Lusaka, Zambia
T +260 (211) 225 909 226 908
F +260 (211) 231 601
E Askrtsa@rtsa.zm
 2021 ANNUAL ROAD TRAFFIC CRASH STATISTICS

2,163
ROAD TRAFFIC

D E AT H S
were recorded in the

year 2021
23.9%
of all fatalities in the year
2021 were recorded in

28%
compared to the year
LUSAKA PROVINCE

2020
Fatalities by Urban Roads Vs Rural Roads
(Inter Districts)
10%
of persons killed were

CHILDREN

66% of fatalities
were among

V ULNERABLE
ROAD USERS
Classification of Casulties 2020 & 2021 49%

12%

5%
TABLE OF CONTENTS
List of Tables.............................................................................................iii

List of Figures............................................................................................iii

Foreword..................................................................................................v

Executive Summary.....................................................................................vii

Acronyms................................................................................................viii

Definitions of Key terms.................................................................................x

1.0 INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................2

2.0 MEASURES TAKEN BY THE RTSA IN REDUCING ROAD TRAFFIC CRASHES......................6

2.1 Safe road user behaviour.......................................................................... 7

2.2 Safe road infrastructure...........................................................................15

2.3 Safe vehicles.........................................................................................20

3.0 NATURE AND DISTRIBUTION OF ROAD TRAFFIC CRASHES.....................................25

3.1 Road traffic crashes by province.................................................................25

3.2 Road traffic crashes severity......................................................................27

3.3 Road traffic crashes and fatalities by urban and inter district roads......................28

3.4 Quarterly road traffic crashes....................................................................29

3.5 Trends in road traffic crashes.....................................................................30

3.6 Trends in road traffic fatalities...................................................................30

3.7 Trends in human population......................................................................31

3.8 Trends in motor vehicle population..............................................................31

3.9 Crash rate per human and motor vehicle population.........................................32

3.10 Types of motor vehicle in road crashes........................................................32

3.11 Road traffic crashes time of the day...........................................................33

3.12 Road traffic crashes by day of the week......................................................34

3.13 Classification of casualties......................................................................34

3.14 Fatalities by province............................................................................35

3.15 Fatalities by road user type.....................................................................37

3.16 Serious injuries by province.....................................................................38

3.17 Children casualties...............................................................................38

3.17.1 Children fatalities by gender..................................................................38

i
3.17.2 Classification of child fatalities..............................................................39

3.17.3 Child fatalities by road user type...........................................................39

3.18 RTCs contributory factors.......................................................................40

3.17.1 Human error.....................................................................................40

3.18.1 Driver errors....................................................................................41

3.18.2 Pedestrian errors...............................................................................42

3.18.3 Passenger errors................................................................................42

3.19 Motor vehicle defects............................................................................43

3.20 Wandering animals...............................................................................43

3.21 Weather conditions...............................................................................44

4.0 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS..........................................................45

4.1 Conclusion...........................................................................................46

4.2 Recommendations..................................................................................46

ii
LIST OF TABLE
Table 1: Learners sensitised in schools................................................................8

Table 2: Number of learners sensitised at the Road Safety School Park.........................9

Table 3: List of schools sensitised....................................................................15

Table 4: Top ten hotspots from the survey..........................................................19

Table 5: Number of transactions for the period under review...................................20

Table 6: Distribution of Road Traffic Crashes.......................................................25

Table 7: Crash Rate per Human and MV Population................................................32

Table 8: Pedestrian Error...............................................................................42

Table 9: Passenger Error................................................................................43

Table 10: Motor vehicle defects......................................................................43

Table 11: Wandering Animals..........................................................................43

LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1: Education Officer sensitising learners at Primary School in Lusaka..................8

Figure 2: Road Safety Activities at RTSA’s School Park............................................ 9

Figure 3: Road Safety Sensitisation..................................................................10

Figure 4: Installation of Road Signs...................................................................12

Figure 5: Print Media in Daily Nation.................................................................13

Figure 6: Road Safety Billboards......................................................................13

Figure 7: Traffic Offence per Quarter in 2021......................................................14

Figure 8: Casualty Type and Nature of Crash (from Hotspots) ..................................18

Figure 9: Percent Crashes by Road User Type..................................................... 18

Figure 10: Roadworthiness Examinations (Test Certificate) ………...............................21

Figure 11: Roadworthiness Examinations (Certificate of Fitness) ..............................22

Figure 12: Vehicle examined using the Mechanised Equipment.................................22

Figure 13: RTC by Province in 2020 and 2021 .................................................... 26

Figure 14: Distribution of RTCs in Zambia...........................................................26

Figure 15: Road Traffic Crashes by Severity.........................................................27

Figure 16: Road Traffic Crashes by Severity in 2020 and 2021...................................27

iii
Figure 17: Percent Difference in RTC Severity.......................................................28

Figure 18: RTC Urban and Inter District Roads......................................................28

Figure 19: Fatalities Urban Vs Inter District Roads.................................................28

Figure 20: RTC Urban Vs Inter District Roads RTCs.................................................28

Figure 21: Road Traffic Crashes by Quarters.........................................................29

Figure 22: Trend in Road Traffic Crashes.............................................................30

Figure 23: Number of Fatalities from 2012 to 2021................................................30

Figure 24: Zambia Population..........................................................................31

Figure 25: Cumulative number of MV Population...................................................31

Figure 26: Type of Motor Vehicles in Road traffic crashes.........................................33

Figure 27: Road Traffic Crashes by Time.............................................................33

Figure 28: Road Traffic Crashes by Time of the Day................................................34

Figure 29: Road Traffic Crashes by Day of the Week...............................................34

Figure 30: Classification of Casualties in 2020 and 2021..........................................35

Figure 31: Distribution of Fatalities in Zambia.....................................................35

Figure 32: Fatalities by Province......................................................................36

Figure 33: Percent Change in Fatalities by Province...............................................36

Figure 34: Fatalities by Road User Type.............................................................37

Figure 35: Road user type in 2020 and 2021........................................................37

Figure 36: Distribution of fatalities due to road traffic accidents in 2021......................38

Figure 37: Child Casualties by Gender................................................................38

Figure 38: Child fatalities in 2020 and 2021........................................................39

Figure 39: Classification of Child Casualties.........................................................39

Figure 40: Child Fatalities by Road User Type......................................................40

Figure 41: Road Traffic Crashes Contributory Factors..............................................40

Figure 42: Human Errors Category.....................................................................41

Figure 43: Driver Errors................................................................................41

Figure 44: Pedestrian errors............................................................................42

Figure 45: Road Traffic Crashes Summary............................................................44

iv
FOREWORD

2,163 fatalities in year 2021

Number for fatalities increased from 1,690 in

2020 to 2,163 in 2020, a 28% increase in
fatalities.

23.4%
Decrease in fatalities from
2016 to 2020

11.2: Make cities

and human
settlements
inclusive,
saferesilient and
It is my pleasure to present the 2021 road transport sustainable
and safety status report based on road traffic
crash data compiled by Zambia Police stations
across the country.

7
The purpose of this report is to present an 7.9: Development
overview of the road safety situation, risk outcome 6: improved
factors, the burden of road traffic injuries on
NDP 2017 - 2021 transport systems and
infrastructure
society and possible ways of reducing these
road traffic crashes, fatalities and injuries.

49%
This report on the other hand will serve as a
handy decision making tool on road safety.
Pedestrians
Road traffic crashes place a heavy burden on
global and national economies and household
finances. Many families are driven into poverty
Pedestrians are the most vulnerable users,
by the loss of breadwinners and the added burden accounted for 49% in the year 2021
of having to care for members who become
disabled as a result of injuries sustained in
road traffic crashes.
In 2021, Zambia recorded a total of 32,396
road traffic crashes, which resulted into 2,163
fatalities and 5,307 serious injuries. The
88% Human error

number of road traffic crashes, fatalities and Human error predominantly leading cause of
serious injuries during the period under review RTCs accounting 88% in the year 2021
rose in comparison to the previous year. The
road stretch between Lusaka and Copperbelt
had the highest number of crashes. This road
stretch associated with high traffic volumes,
with some sections of the road stretch in bad
condition characterized by edge breaks, deep

v
 Police Divisional traffic officers. The Mobile-
App significantly changed how the Agency is Let me extend my sincere gratitude to the
now undertaking traffic law enforcement. The Government of the Republic of Zambia, through
Mobile-App allows the verification of Motor the Ministry of Transport and Logistics and RTSA
potholes
Vehicle Licence andcertificates
ruttings due to heavyin cargo
anywhere the A larger
Board proportionfor
of Directors of the
these casualties
ongoing are
oversight and
transported by road. Travel speeds have also recorded on inter urban roads. This pattern has
country where there is 4G network. The Mobile- guidance to the Agency. Special tribute goes to
reduced between Lusaka and Ndola to lower been the same for the past years, suggesting
App isthan
ablethe
to scan the licence
100km/h barcode,
permissible speed perform
limit the entire RTSA staff who are the key assets of
that pedestrians are the most vulnerable road
automatic
resulting increased travel time. and accept
number recognition the institution
users. and isRTSA
Human error stakeholders
still the leading causeforofthe
typed driver and vehicle registration mark. immense support in achieving our vision for a
RTCs in Zambia.
This results into panic driving, which has led safe, inclusive and economically enabling road
to excessive speeding, improper overtaking, It is my hope thatduring
this report will under
be a useful
During the year under review, the country transport system the year review.
misjudging clearance distance among tool not only for the transport sector but also
recorded unacceptably higher numbers of
drivers and has culminated into head-on for other members of the general public.
road traffic crashes, fatalities and injuries. A I now invite you to read the Road Transport
collision crashes. Construction of a
total of 32,396 road traffic crashes, resulted I now
in and invite Agency
Safety you to read 2021theAnnual
2021 Annual
report.
dual carriage way between Lusaka and
2,163Ndola
fatalities and 5,307 serious injuries. The Report on Road Transport and Safety Status in
will address the current road Zambia.
number of road
safety trafficalong
situation crashes,
this fatalities and
road stretch.
serious injuries during the period under review
Although
rose in a high number
comparison to the of crashes year.
previous were The
recorded in urban areas due to
road stretch between Lusaka and Copperbelt high traffic
volumes,
had the highestrural areas recorded
number of crashes. a high
Thisnumber
road
of fatalities most likely due to high impact of
stretch is associated
crashes with high traffic volumes,
at high speed. Gladwell Banda,
with some sections of the road stretch in bad Gladwell Banda
Pedestrian
condition have predominantly
characterized been ranking
by edge breaks, Director and
deep Director and Chief
Chief Executive
Executive Officer
Officer
high in road traffic casualties.
potholes and ruttings. Travel speeds have also Road Transport and Safety Agency

xi
ANNUAL REPORT 2021 ROAD AND TRANSPORT SAFETY AGENCY

vi
Executive Summary leading contributory factor. The top five
predominant driver errors were excessive
This report gives an analysis of road traffic speed, misjudging clearance distance, failing
crashes recorded in Zambia from the 1st to keep to near side, cutting in and reversing
January to 31st December 2021. Road traffic negligently.
crashes in Zambia are compiled the Zambia
Police traffic section. Road traffic crashes, The report further established that the highest
injuries and fatalities are a growing public number of road traffic crashes occurred at
health concern which severely affect the night between 18:00hrs and 20:00hrs while
poor and vulnerable sections of society. The Fridays and Saturdays recorded more crashes
number of road traffic death have remained compared to other days of the week.
unacceptably on Zambia roads. Out of the ten provinces of Zambia, 60%
During the period under review, a total of of the fatalities were recorded from Lusaka
32,372 road traffic crashes were recorded (23.9%), Central (14.7%) and Copperbelt
on Zambian roads. This number represents (21.4%) Provinces. The road stretch between
a 13.6% increase from 28,484 road traffic Lusaka and Ndola recorded higher number
crashes recorded in the year 2020. These of road RTCs compared to any road stretch
road traffic crashes resulted in 2,163 road country wide. This road stretch is associated
traffic deaths. The number of road traffic deaths with high traffic volumes, some sections
increased by 28% from 1,690 in 2020. The of the road stretch are in bad condition
analysis, revealed that 66% of the road traffic characterised by rutting, edge breaks and
deaths were among vulnerable road users deep potholes. Travel speeds have reduced
which includes pedestrians (49%), between Lusaka and Ndola to lower than the
motorcyclists (12%) and pedal cyclists (5%) 100km/h permissible speed limit resulting
who comprise the category of vulnerable increased travel time. This resulted into
road users whose road safety needs have panic driving, which has led to excessive
not been adequately catered for in road speeding, improper overtaking, misjudging
designs. clearance distance among drivers and has
culminated into head-on collisions related
A total of 5,307 serious injuries were crashes.
recorded c o m p a r e d t o 4 , 4 2 7 s e r i o u s
r e corded in 2020. Slight injuries stood at Other risk factors on the rest of the core
9,182 in 2021 compared to 8,190 in 2020. road network include unsecured broken
vehicles which cause obstruction, destructed
Lusaka province ranked high and accounted driving (using mobile while driving, applying
for 17,774 road traffic crashes, while Northern markup for ladies), built up areas coupled
Province had the least with 614 road traffic with road side trading along major highways
crashes. Urban roads accounted for 76% of resulting in high pedestrian exposure,
the road traffic crashes while inter district inadequate safe crossing zones in urban areas
roads contributed 24%. It was established for cyclists and pedestrians which has
that, of the total fatalities recorded, inter increase conflict in road usage w i t h
d i s t r i c t r o a d s a c c o u n t e d f o r 5 8 % o f motorists.
fatalities while urban roads recorded 42%
of the fatalities. Despite an increase in the number of road
traffic crashes, injuries and fatalities, the
Results also showed that human errors were A g e n c y p u t i n v a r i o u s r o a d s a f e t y
the leading contributory factor to road traffic interventions aimed at reducing road
crashes and accounted for 87.85%, other carnage, such as road safety education,
factors included motor vehicle defects road traffic law enforcement and road
(1.25%), road defects (0.32%), weather safety engineering. These interventions are
condition (0.18%) and wandering animals highlighted in later section of the report.
(1.14%) and cause not traced stood at 5.4%.
Among human errors, driver error was the

vii
Acronyms
CEO Chief Executive Officer

E-ZamTIS Electronic Zambia Transport Information System

ICT Information, Communication and Technology

LMIC Low and Mid Income Level Countries

MV Motor Vehicle

NRFA National Road Fund Agency

RDA Road Development Agency

RTA Road Traffic Accident

RTC Road Traffic Crash

RTSA Road Transport and Safety Agency

UN United Nations

viii
Editorial Team
Chuncky Kanchele
Head – Planning, Research
and Development
Email: ckanchele@rtsa.org.zm

Gilbert Silwamba
Planning and Monitoring Officer
Email: gsilwamba@rtsa.org.zm

Natasha Christine Njovu

Monitoring and Evaluation Officer
Email: cnjonvu@rtsa.org

Mwila Bembele
Intern
Email: mwilabembele5@gmail.com

ix
Definitions of Key terms
TERM DEFINITION
Bus Includes ‘State Transit Authority’ bus and long distance/tourist coach.
Car Includes sedan, station wagon, utility (based on car design), panel van (based
on car design), coupe, hatchback, sports car, passenger van and four wheel
drive passenger vehicle.
Casualty Any road user involved in a road crash or an accident.
Damages only Road Traffic Crashes which do not involve any bodily harm.
Driver A controller of a motor vehicle other than a motorcycle.
Fatal crash A crash for which there is at least one fatality
Fatality A person who dies within 30 days of a crash as a result of injuries received in
that crash.

Heavy rigid truck Comprised of rigid lorry and rigid tanker with a tare weight in excess of 4.5
tones

Heavy truck Injured A person who is injured as a result of a crash, and who does not die as a result
of those injuries within 30 days of the crash

Killed See Fatality

Light truck Includes panel van (not based on car design), utility (not based on car design)
and mobile vending vehicle.

Motorcycle driver A person occupying the controlling position of a motorcycle.

Motorcycle passenger A person on but not controlling a motorcycle

Motorcycle Any mechanically or electrically propelled two or three-wheeled machine with

or without side-car. Includes solo motorcycle, motorcycle with sidecar, motor
scooter, mini-bike, three-wheeled special mobility vehicle and moped
(motorized ‘pedal cycle’)

Motor vehicle Any road vehicle which is mechanically or electrically powered but not
operated on rails.

Passenger Any person, other than the controller, who is in, on, boarding, entering,
alighting or falling from a road vehicle at the time of the crash, provided a
portion of the person is in/on the road vehicle

Pedal cycle Any two or three wheeled device operated solely by pedals and propelled by
human power except toy vehicles or other pedestrian conveyances. Includes
bicycles with side-car, trailer or training wheels attached

Pedal cycle driver A person occupying the controlling position of a pedal cycle.
Pedal cycle passenger A person on but not controlling a pedal cycle.

x
Pedestrian Any person who is not, boarding, entering, alighting or falling from a road
vehicle at the time of the crash.

Road traffic crash Any apparently unp remeditated event reported to the police and resulting
in death, injury or property damage attributable to the movement of a road
vehicle on a road.

Road users These include all motor vehicle drivers, pedestrians, passengers (motor
vehicle, motor cycle and bicycle), motor cycle drivers and cyclists.

Rural accidents Accidents or crashes occurring outside a radius of 10Km of a Municipal or

Township Council.

Serious injury An injury of severe nature arising from a road traffic crash or accident that
usually requires emergency evacuation to a nearest or specialised Hospital or
health center.

Slight injury An injury of less severity in nature arising from a road traffic crash or an
accident that is usually in the category of minor bruises which do not lead to
evacuation to a nearest specialised hospitalization or health centre.

Urban accidents Accidents or crashes occurring within a radius of 10Km of a Municipal or

Township Council.

Vulnerable road Users These include all road users’ pedestrians such as children, the disabled, the
aged, the insane and cyclists who are always competing for road use with
motorists.

xii
Introduction

1
1.0 INTRODUCTION
With about forty five percent (45%) of the
population in Zambia living in urban setting
and globally about seventy percent (70%)
expected to live in urban settings by 2030,
increased demand for urban mobility will
exceed the capacity of systems that rely
largely on private vehicles such as cars and
motorcycles (World Bank, 2021).
Zambia’s population has
increased in the last five
(05) years by 22% from
15,033,833 in 2016 to
18,400,556 in 2021.
With an increase in population, transport plays
a crucial role in socio-economic development
by providing access for people to markets,
he a l t h c a r e , e d u c a t i o n , e m p l o y m e n t ,
recreation and other key facilities and
services.
Zambia has also seen an
increase in the motor
vehicle population by
29% from 696,474 in
2016 to 899,186 in 2021.
Investment in public transport systems to
facilitate safe and efficient movement of large
and growing populations is therefore critical to
addressing this issue.
Public transport systems such as buses
carry more people compared to private cars
and are generally more affordable. They
reduce exposure to crashes and are a key
avenue to improve safety, as stressed in
Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target
11.2. It has been noted that most people in
African countries use road transport and as
such many road traffic accidents are
reported which results in at least one person
being injured or killed.
Multimodal transport and land-use planning
may be an important starting point for
implementing a Safe System. It establishes the
2
optimal mix of motorised and non-motorised
transport modes to ensure safety and
equitable access to mobility, while responding
to the diverse needs and preferences of a
population.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) in its
2018 G l o ba l S t a t us Re po r t o n Roa d
S a fe t y, re ports that, the number of deaths
on the world’s roads remains unacceptably
high, with an estimated 1.35 million people
dying every year. Further, road traffic
injuries are the eighth leading cause of death
for all age groups as more people now die as
a result of road traffic injuries than from
HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis or diarrhoea diseases
(WHO, 2018). Road traffic injuries are currently
the leading cause of death for children and
young adults aged 5 to 29 years globally, signalling
a largely neglected road safety (WHO, 2018).
In Zambia, despite the number of road traffic
fatalities reducing by 3.2% from to 1,746 in
2019 to 1,690 in 2020, the overall number of
road traffic accidents recorded countrywide
are still high standing at 28,484 in 2020 (RTSA,
2021). Lusaka province contributed 15,871
road traffic accidents accounting for 56%
of the total road traffic accidents. A total of
14,307casualties were recorded, of which 12%
were fatalities, 31% were seriously injured and
57% sustained slight injuries. A total of 1,690
men, women and children lost their lives with
46% of the road fatalities being pedestrians
(RTSA, 2021).
Like many developing countries, Zambia is
experiencing a steady increase in motorisation
without having adequate road safety systems
in place to control the rising number of road
traffic crashes. The scale and the severity of
this problem is increasing from year to year
and adversely affecting the economy of the
country in general and the livelihood of
individuals in particular. Road traffic injuries
and fatalities cause substantial economic
losses to individuals, families, and to the
nation as a whole. The cost in terms of
human trauma, both physical and emotional
may not be quantified and the economic impact
that these crashes have on society as a whole
is also considerable.
WHO estimates RTCs cost most countries
around 3% of their gross domestic product.
It is further estimated that the direct cost
of road traffic crashes, globally, is something
around US$ 518 billion a year.
In SDG 3.6 road traffic
safety is specifically
identified.
The road transport system is human-made
and the road safety level we have can be
controlled. Any organisation influencing the
design and function of the transport system
should take its part of the responsibility. This
approach gives many actors using and acting
in the road transport system a new role in
delivering safety in products and services.
From 2015 and the introduction of SDGs, road
traffic safety is an element of health and
further, an element of sustainability.
The United Nations General Assembly
proclaimed the period 2011-2020 as the
Decade of Action for Road Safety, “with a
goal to stabilise and then reduce
t h e f o r e cast level of road traffic fatalities
by 50% by 2020”. Without interventions, the
forecasted fatalities stood at 3,234 implying
that by the definition of the decade of action
Zambia performed relatively well between
2011 and 2020 towards meeting the target
of reducing fatalities by 50% by 2020. In the
year 2020 Zambia recorded 1,690 fatalities
compared to the decade of action forecasted
1,617 fatalities.The results show that Zambia
managed to reduce the fatalities by 48% of
the projected fatalities by the year 2020.
3
Although, there is clearly a certain amount of
achievement but still much more remains to
be done.
The Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA)
was established through an act of parliament
under the Road Traffic Act No. 1 1 of 2 0 0 2 1 1
o f 2002 a s a corporate body with a perpetual
succession and common seal
with a responsible for
implementing the Policy on
road transport and traffic
management, road safety and
enforcement of road transport
and safety laws in Zambia. The
Agency is mandated by the
Road Traffic Act to implement
and coordinate road safety programs that are
aimed at reducing the likelihood and impact
of road crashes. The Agency is also mandated to
undertake activities relating to road transport
and traffic.
Effective interventions to this scenario,
include designing safer infrastructure and
incorporating road safety features into land
use and transport planning. This will ensure
all roads in cities and many other Zambian
towns have enough space for walkways and
cycling tracks. These may ensure safety and
better health for people that choose to or
are obliged to commute through walking.
The increased use of motorised vehicles in Low
and Medium Income Countries (LMIC) countries
has resulted in greater motor vehicle
related injuries and fatalities. For the
purpose of ensuring safety for all road users,
the Agency has different units in place that
take care of road user needs. The Enforcement
unit enforce road traffic and safety rules, laws
and regulations of Zambia to all Zambian road
users through motorized patrols and mounting
check points randomly. The Education and
Publicity unit conduct awareness campaigns
to all road users to change road user behaviour
and attitude, nurture the level of knowledge in
order to escalate road safety. The Road Safety
Engineering unit conducts
routine road safety audits to ensure that all
roads are safe for all road users. The Planning,
Research and Development unit undertakes
various research, monitoring and evaluation of
road safety interventions.
4
The 2021 annual report presents statistics on
the road traffic crashes recorded in Zambia.
This report also highlights the measures that
the Agency is putting in place to mitigate road
traffic crashes and makes some
recommendations on measures and interventions
which needs to be taken.
Measure Taken by the
Road Transport
and
Safety Agency
in Reducing
Road Traffic Crashes

5
2.0 MEASURES TAKEN BY THE ROAD TRANSPORT AND
SAFETY AGENCY IN REDUCING ROAD TRAFFIC CRASHES
The Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA)
implemented it’s just ended 2019 to 2021
Strategic Plan, whose vision was “A safe,
inclusive and economically enabling road transport
system” with the mission “To deliver a safe,
efficient, client focused and inclusive road
transport system which supports socio –
economic development”. Strategic Objective
number One (SO1) of the Strategic Plan calls
In order to increase road safety activities
for the improvement of Road Transport and
conducted at the national, regional and global
has five strategic programmes of which four
levels, the United Nations General Assembly
of them relate to the Agency’s road safety
proclaimed the period 2021-2030 as the
mandate as follows:
Decade of Action for Road Safety whose goal is
i. Demonstrating leadership role in transport to stabilise and then reduce the forecast level of
system and safety management; road traffic crashes and fatalities world wide
ii. Broadening road user education on safety; by 50%.
iii. Enhancing the safety of road infrastructure;
The United Nations appealed to Member States,
and
civil society, organisations, private and public
iv. Enhancing compliance through registration,
sector to ensure that the Decade of Action
examination and licensing.
for Road Safety leads to a real improvement.
A key focus under SO1 for the strategic period The Global Plan describes what is needed to
was to ensure that the Agency responds to achieve that target, and calls on governments
dynamically expanding transport sector by and partners to implement an integrated safe
ensuring improved policies in the development system. Sustainable transport is essential to
of road infrastructure by learning from on-going achieving most of the goals in the 2030 Agenda
road safety audits and inspections and translating for Sustainable Development.
findings into improved standards and practices.
The Agency will also intensify road safety
education programmes and enhance enforcement
activities to improve driver behaviours and
lower traffic crashes. Success for SO1 will be
reflected in the overall reduction of traffic
infringements and most importantly, road traffic
The Safe System approach is a core feature of
crashes and fatalities.
the Decade of Action 2021-2030 and recognises
that road transport is a complex system and
places safety at its core. It also recognises that
humans, vehicles and the road infrastructure

6
y areas
equipping road users with information and skills
030. The RTSA during the year 2021 concentrated on
f road SAFETY
target 2.1.1
must interact in ROAD
BROADENING a wayUSER
thatEDUCATION
ensures a high
ON 2.1.1 BROADENING ROAD USER EDUCATION
alls for level of safety. The Global Plan for the Decade ON SAFETY
commitment
of Action forto safety
Road and service
Safety delivery.
2021-2030 rejects
driver The Raod Transport and Safety Agency during
business
media to as communicate
usual and calls onitsgovernments
vision and and
h that the year 2021 concentrated on equipping road
stakeholders
institutions, civil to take organisations
society a new path one and that
the
ements prioritises and implements an integrated Safe users with information and skills on how to
take a System approach that squarely positions road avoid risks on shared roads at various levels.
safety as a key driver of sustainable The following were the major activities
d calls
development. It also calls for actions that help undertaken by the Agency during the year
Safety under review;
the world attain the target of a 50% reduction
Global in the number of road traffic deaths and serious 2.1.1.1 ROAD SAFETY SCHOOL PROGRAMMES
a way injuries by 2030.
2.1 SAFE ROAD USER BEHAVIOUR Child pedestrians are amongst vulnerable road
nd the
This section of the report presents key areas users as they have a tendency to dash across
It also follows;
for action undertaken by the Road Transport roads when crossing. Those of school-going age
omplex implementing
Agency to contribute
activities to
of athe
safefive
system.These
pillars as are placed at a higher risk as a result of
hat the The
0 and key
These areas are;
keyTransport
areas are;and Safety Agency is already exposure to different traffic conditions as they
Road
ds to a
feature move to and from schools unsupervised. The
ACTIVITIES
NATIONAL ACTIVITIES transport system and road environment is
scribes INTERNATIONAL COORDINATION OF
PILLAR 1 dangerous because children at a tender age
et, and Post-crash response
Safe road infrastructure tend to play on the roads without taking time
ers to PILLAR
PILLAR 52 to understand the complexities of
safe Multimodal transport and land-use planning
Safer vehicle
different traffic situations. They are also
tial to PILLAR
PILLAR 43
vulnerable as passengers because they have
e
e 2030
2030 Safe road user behaviour
Safe road user behaviour little or no control over the persons
tial to PILLAR
PILLAR 34 o p e r a t ing the vehicles they are in. It is against
safe Safer vehicle
Multimodal transport and land-use planning this background that the Road Transport and
ers to PILLAR
PILLAR 25 Safety Agency conducted school road safety
Safe road infrastructure
Post-crash response education activities in 2021 which were aimed
et, and
PILLAR 1
INTERNATIONAL COORDINATION OF at training and preparing children to become
scribes
NATIONAL ACTIVITIES
ACTIVITIES safety conscious road users through the following
feature
ds to a
The Road programmes:
0 and
hat the These keyTransport
The Roadareas are;and
Transport
Safety Agency is already
and Safety Agency is already
omplex implementing activities of the five pillars as
implementing activities as follows;
2.1.1.1.1 Road Safety Clubs/Traffic Warden
Schemes
It also follows;
nd the 2.1 SAFE ROAD USER BEHAVIOUR During the year under review, the Agency
2.1 SAFE ROAD USER BEHAVIOUR monitored a total number of 267 schools in
a way I nstitutions, civil society
order to check how the road safety school clubs
Global organisations and the media
and traffic warden schemes were performing as
Safety to communicate its vision and
well as to evaluate on how the schools were
d calls commitment to safety and
implementing road safety in the school curriculum.
service delivery.
take a Some of these schools were provided with Road
ements Safety materials which included t – shirts for
institutions, civil society organisations and the
h that patrons and club members, traffic wardens’
media to communicate its vision and uniform, traffic cones, and School Manuals
driver
commitment to safety and service delivery. among others.
alls for
7
target 2.1.1 BROADENING ROAD USER EDUCATION ON
2.1.1.1.2 Traffic Warden Training and the high volume of traffic along busy roads
near the schools.
During the year under review, two (2) traffic
wardens training were conducted in Lusaka and A total of fifty six (56) traffic wardens were
Solwezi. A total number of thirty-two (32) trained from nineteen (19) schools in Lusaka
workers from Chudleigh House School were and Solwezi in the year under review.
trained as School Traffic Wardens while twenty-four
2.1.1.1.3 Road Safety Sensitisation in
(24) teachers were trained as traffic wardens
Schools
from eighteen (18) schools in Solwezi with
support from First Quantum Minerals (FQM). The Agency visited various schools to sensit i s e
The objectives of the trainings were to equip learners on road safety during the
the wardens with knowledge and skills that y e a r under review.
would enable them to effectively control traffic Table 1 shows that a total of 44 schools were
and assist learners to cross the roads around sensitised with 12,246 learners reached out to
school areas. The trainings were also conducted compared to 2020 where 20 schools were
in order to mitigate the Road Traffic Crashes sensitised with a total number of 4,193 learners
(RTCs) occurring due to the road rehabilitations reached out to.
Table 1: Learners sensitised in schools
S/N QUARTER 2020 2021
NUMBER OF NUMBER OF NUMBER OF NUMBER OF
SCHOOLS LEARNERS SCHOOLS LEARNERS
01 First 13 1,062 04 972
02 Second Nil Nil 17 2,573
03 Third 03 1,421 15 7,089
04 Fourth 04 1,710 08 1,612
Total 20 4,193 44 12,246

Figure 1: Education Officer sensitising learners at Primary School in Lusaka

8
2.1.1.1.3 Road Safety School Park School Park in 2021 compared to 2020 where
508 learners from 16 schools were
A total of 946 learners from 24 schools were
sensitised. The total number of schools that
sensitised on Road Safety at the Road Safety
visited the School Park in the year 2021 was 24
School Park during the year under review.
and number of learners reached out to was 946.
There were more learners reached out to at the

Table 2: Number of Schools/Organisations and learners sensitised at the Road Safety School Park

S/N QUARTER 2020 2021

NUMBER OF NUMBER OF NUMBER OF NUMBER OF
SCHOOLS LEARNERS SCHOOLS LEARNERS
01 First 11 401 05 139
02 Second Nil Nil 09
03 Third Nil Nil 01 18
04 Fourth 05 107 09 475
Total 16 508 24 946

Figure 2: Road safety Sessions at RTSA’s School Park

9
2.1.1.2 ROAD SAFETY SENSITISATION
ACTIVITIES
2.1.1.2.1 Sensitisation of Drivers at Bus
Stations and Taxi Ranks
During the year 2021, the Agency conducted
road safety sensitisations in various bus stations
and taxi ranks. This was done to promote road
safety awareness amongst Public Service
Vehicle (PSV) drivers. The total number of drivers
reached out was 513 compared to the same
period in 2020 where 608 drivers were
sensitised. The reduction in 2021 could be
attributed to the increased number of road
safety activities which were sponsored by other
stakeholders.
Figure 3a: Road safety sensitisation
10
2.1.1.2.2 Workplace Orientation
The RTSA conducted road safety sensitisations in
various organisations aimed at equipping their
staff with road safety information in order to
reduce road traffic crashes and promote good
road user behaviour. The workplace orientation
programme focused on road safety awareness
and basic defensive driving skills. A total
of 528 employees were sensitised from 12
organizations in 2021 compared to 446 sensitised
from 12 organisations in 2020. The total of
organisations reached out to in the year 2021
was 12 with a total number of staff reached out
to being 528.
Figure 3b: Education Officer conducting road safety sensitisation
2.1.1.2.3 Road Safety Corners in Public
Libraries
During the year under review, the Agency set up
Road Safety Corners in three (03) public
libraries. The following libraries had Road
Safety Corners set up:
i. Mansa College of Education in Mansa
ii. National Institute of Public Administration
(NIPA) Burma Road Campus Library in
Lusaka
iii. Zambia Library Service Library at the
Curriculum Development Centre (CDC) in
Lusaka.
The Agency provided the libraries with various
road safety materials which included thematic
brochures, the Zambian Highway Code,
newsletters, emergency line cards, National
Guidelines for Road Traffic Signing, and Annual
Reports. Three (03) Road Safety Corners were
set up at libraries both in 2020 and 2021.
11
2.1.1.3 PUBLIC EVENTS
2.1.1.3.1 United Nations Global Road Safety
Week (UNGRSW)
The Agency with support from the United
Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
c o m m e m o r a t e d t h e 6 th U n i t e d N a t i o n s
Global Road Safety Week which was held from
17th to 23rd M a y, 2021 under the
t h e m e ‘‘ M a n a g i n g S p e e d ’’ . Activities
during UNGRSW included media activities,
installation of thirty six (36) road signs along
Great East Road from Kenneth Kaunda traffic
circle to Sinjela area (90km) and two (2) road
signs along Lumumba road near Matero Boys
Secondary School. The road signs were mounted
before, during and after the UNGRSW and these
included warning signs, information signs and
pedestrian crossing signs. The procurement and
installation of the road signs was financed by
the Road Development Agency (RDA).
Figure 4: Installation of Road Signs
Other activities included speed management
and sensitisations in Chirundu District.
Promotion of non-motorised transport such was
walking, bicycle riding and earmarking
pedestrian Spaces during the Car Free Day
organised by the Zambia Road Safety Trust
(ZRST) which was held in the Central Business
District in Lusaka.
2.1.1.3.2 Traditional Ceremonies
The Agency participated at the Coronation
Ceremony of Senior Chief Mukuni Ng’ombe at
his palace in Chibombo District. The Agency also
facilitated for Luapula Province Agency officers
to participate in the Mini Mutomboko Ceremony
which took place in Mwansabombwe. Various
Information, Education, and Communications
(IEC) materials were distributed at both events
2.1.1.3.3 World Day of Remembrance for
Road Traffic Victims
The Agency joined the rest of the world in
commemorating the World Day of Remembrance
for Road Traffic Victims 2021. Child pedestrians
are among the most vulnerable road users as
they have a tendency to dash across.
The event was held on Sunday, 21st November,
2021 under the theme, ‘ACT for LOW SPEEDS/
12
ACT for LOW SPEED STREETS’.
The commemoration was conducted
countrywide with the support of various Faith
B a s e d O r g a ni s a t i o ns ( F B O s ) . As pa rt t h e
commemoration countrywide, the public
gathered at churches and held church services
with the clergy taking the lead. The families and
accident victims shared their experience about
what they have gone through due to injury or
loss of a loved one due to road traffic crashes.
The Minister of Transport and Logistics Hon.
F r a n k M u s e b a Ta y a l i , M P, l a u n c h e d
commemoration of the event on Zambia
National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) TV 1
on Saturday, 20th November, 2021. Hon. Tayali
also handed over two (02) electric wheel chairs
to survivors of the Kawambwa road traffic
accident which claimed the lives of 44 learners
of Kawambwa High School on 8th April, 2005.
The Agency facilitated for the World Day
Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims to be
commemorated in twenty four (24) districts.
2.1.1.3.4 Road Safety Week
The Agency commemorated the 2021 Road Safety
Week from 5th to 11th December, 2021 under
the theme ‘Be a Road Safety CHAMPION - Slow
Down!’
 articles that appeared in the Daily Nation operati

newspaper during the quarter under review enforce

include the following captions. enforce

2.1.1.4 MEDIA ACTIVITIES
2.1.1.4.1 Radio Programmes
The Agency facilitated for staff and stakeholders
to feature on Millennium Radio, ZNBC Radio 2,
5 FM, Live Radio, Modern Voice Radio, and Hone
FM Radio where various road safety thematic
topics were discussed. The radio programmes
focused on road safety matters, the United
Nations Road Safety Week, and how to acquire
t h e RT S A S e r v i c e s . T h e A g e n c y a l s o
partnered with Lusaka City Council (LCC) and
featured on Millennium Radio and 5 FM Radio
to discuss the topic ‘Road Safety on Newly
Constructed and Expanded Roads’.
A total of 95 radio appearances were made in
the year 2021 compared to 139 in 2020. The
reduction in the number of radio appearances
in 2021 was as a result of the adjustment of the
radio schedule from the initial three (03)
appearances per week in 2020 to two (02) in
2021 on Millennium Radio.
2.1.1.4.2 Road Safety Radio Dramas
The Agency facilitated for the airing of Road
Safety Radio Dramas in various radio stations
in the ten (10) provinces of the country. Various
radio stations were engaged to air the Road
Safety Radio Dramas and a total of twenty (20)
radio stations countrywide aired the Road safety
dramas.
2.1.1.4.3 Television Advertisements
61,488
compar
a reduc
11.26%
Figure 3: Print Media in Daily Nation
2.1.1.4.4 Television Drama 13
2021 Annual Road Transport and Safety Status
During the year under review, the Agency
procured for the production of a 13 series road
safety television drama. The drama had various
road safety themes which included child Safety,
drunk driving, over speeding and overloading.
The production of the drama was finalised and
is yet to be aired. The Agency has also engaged
Zambezi Magic for the airing of the drama.
2.1.1.4.5 Print Media
During the year under review, the Agency
utilised the print media to promote road safety.
It procured road safety columns in the Zambia
Daily Mail for the placement of eleven road
safety articles, once a week. Some of the
articles that appeared in the Daily Nation
newspaper during the quarter under review
include the following captions.
2.1.1.4.5 Billboards
The Agency installed nine (9) billboards with
various Road Safety messages along the Great
North Road between Mkushi and Mpika through
Media 4 Africa.

The Agency facilitated for the airing of Road Safety

Television Advertisements on Zambia National
Broadcasting Corporation TV1. The advertisements
were on the use handheld mobile phone while
driving, driving under the influence of alcohol,
over speeding, non-use of the seatbelt and
inappropriate overtaking.
Figure 5: Road Safety Billboards

13
 21,000
18,000
15,000

21,512
12,000
9,000
10,809

12,293

10,452

11,060
10,809

9952
9,891
6,000

9952
2,402
3,000
0

0
0
1st Quarter 2nd Quarter – 2021 3rd Quarter 4th Quarter

Daily Operations Highway Operations OVERALL TOTAL

Figure 7:
Figure 4: Traffic
Traffic Offence per
per Quarter
Quarterinin2021
2021

2.1.1.5 ENHANCING
2.1.1.5.2Joint THE Operations
Highway COMPLIANCE dealt with 7,701 compared
2.1.1.6COORDINATING ROAD to 7,656 traffic
SAFETY
THROUGH ENFORCEMENT AWARENESS WITH OTHER
offences compared STAKEHOLDERS
with traffic offences in 2020
In order to ensure compliance by motorists, and 11,126 traffic offences in 2019.
Traffic Law Enforcement may be vital in 2.1.1.6.1 World Bank - Improved Rural
the RTSA conducted four (4) highway
promoting road safety as the Traffic Laws Connectivity Project (IRCP) ROAD SAFETY
2.1.1.6 COORDINATING
operations during the year under review,
without enforcement cannot achieve the The Agency conducted
AWARENESS WITH OTHER road safety awareness
STAKEHOLDERS
recording a total of 13,462 offences compared
intended objectives. campaigns under the Improved Rural
to 2020 which recorded a total of 10,598 2.1.1.6.1 World
Connectivity ProjectBank
(IRCP)- inImproved
Chibombo Rural
and
2.1.1.5.1 from
offences Road Traffic Offences
the highway Recorded that
operations Connectivity Project (IRCP)
Mkushi Districts in the year 2021. The
were
A totalconducted. The patrols
of 54,566 traffic offenceswere
wereconducted
recorded The Agencywere
campaigns conducted
fundedroad safety
by the awareness
World Bank
along
in thethe Great
year North
2021. AllRoad
these (GNR) from Ndola
offences were campaigns under the Improved Rural
under the Improved Rural Connectivity
recorded
to Lusaka tofrom the daily
reduce station ofoperations,
the number accidents Connectivity Project (IRCP) in Chibombo
Project (IRCP).The exercise was designed to
highway operations and Smart enforcement and Mkushi Districts in the year 2021. The
along the said stretch. educate the were
communities
using the mobile phone enforcement campaigns funded onby road safety Bank
the World and
2.1.1.5.3Fast
application. InTrack
2020 Court
a total of 61,488 traffic proper roadImproved
under the usage inRural
order to preventProject
Connectivity Road
During
offencesthe
wereyear 2021 the
recorded, Lusaka
hence fast track
comparing the (IRCP).Crashes
Traffic The exercise
(RTCs).was designed to educate
two consecutive
court years wecompared
dealt with7,701 have a reduction in
to 7,656 the communities on road safety and proper road
the total offences
number of offences by 11.26%. usage in order
2.1.1.6.2 WorldtoBicycle
prevent Road Traffic Crashes
Relief
traffic compared with traffic
(RTCs).
The Agency conducted road safety awareness
2.1.1.5.2inJoint
offences 2020Highway Operations
and 11,126 traffic offences
during the World Bicycle Relief (WBR) bicycle
in
The2019.
Agency conducted four (4) highway operations
2.1.1.6.2 World Bicycle Relief
during the year under review, recording a distribution programme in Mumbwa District.
total of 13,462 offences compared to 2020 The Agency
The exerciseconducted road safety
was designed to awareness
sensitise
which recorded a total of 10,598 offences from during theparents/guardians,
learners, World Bicycle Reliefteachers,
(WBR) bicycle
and
the highway operations that were conducted. distribution programme in Mumbwa District.
other community members on cyclist safety
The patrols were conducted along the Great The exercise was designed to sensitise learners,
and road safety in general in order to prevent
North Road (GNR) from Ndola to Lusaka to parents/guardians, teachers, and other
reduce the number of accidents along the said Road Traffic members
community Crashes (RTCs).
on cyclist safety and road
stretch. safety in general in order to prevent Road Traffic
Crashes (RTCs).
2.1.1.5.3 Fast Track Court
14
2021 Annual Road Transport and Safety Status Report
During the year 2021, the Lusaka fast track court

14
 Table 3: List of schools sensitised
Number of
S/N Name of School
Teachers
O1. Chikanda Primary School
02. Nakanjoli Primary School
03. Chipa Primary School
04. Mobe Secondary School
05. Nalusanga Primary/Secondary School
Total
The table above shows the sensitisation which
were conducted in five (05) schools with total
number of 2,830 reached out.
2.1.1.6.3 Lusaka National Museum
The Agency made road safety presentations at
the Literacy Programme which was held at the
Lusaka National Museum. Forty-five (45) learners
were sensitised from Libala and Lotus Primary
Schools.
2.1.1.6.4 Zambian Breweries PLC,
Drug Enforcement Commission
(DEC), and Lusaka City Council
(LCC)
The Agency participated in a joint festive
season sensitisations initiated by Zambian
Breweries PLC. The sensitisations were
conducted in collaboration with Drug
Enforcement Commission (DEC) and Lusaka City
Council (LCC). The sensitisations were conducted
on Hone FM, Millennium Radio, Diamond TV and
5 FM Radio. The Drug Enforcement Commission’s
(DEC) focus area was abuse of alcohol and other
drugs during this year’s festive season while the
RTSA discussed the dangers of drink/drunk driving
or driving under the influence of alcohol and
general road safety and Zambia Breweries was
focusing on responsible drinking.
15
Number of Number of
Learners Parents
12 500 150
8 580 200
7 546 150
4 101 134
6 210 222
37 1,937 856
2.2 SAFE ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE
In order to contribute to the
attainment of safer and
inclusive roads, the Road and
Safety Agency (RTSA),
through the Road Safety
Engineering Unit, carries out
Road Safety Audits (RSAs) and Road Safety
Inspections (RSIs) and makes recommendations
for safety improvement for all road users.
2.2.1 ENHANCING THE QUALITY OF ROAD
INFRASTRUCTURE FOR SAFETY AND
INCLUSIVENESS
2.2.1.1 Road Safety Audits (RSAs)
A Ro a d S a f e t y A u d i t ( R S A ) i s a f o r m a l
procedure for independent assessment of the
accident potential and likely safety
performance of a specific design for a road
or traffic scheme – whether new construction
or an alteration to an existing road. The
principle behind it is that ‘prevention is better
than cure’. A Road Safety Audit identifies any
road safety deficiencies in the design stage and
recommends ways in which these can be
overcome. During the year under review, the
Agency conducted five (05) RSAs. The Road
Safety Audits included;
a. Road Safety Audit – Final Design Report
for Upgrading to Bituminous Standards of
 Approximately 55km Of Unpaved Roads
in Chongwe District
b. Road Safety Audit Report for The Improved
Rural Connectivity Project Package 8 In
Northern Province
c. Rehabilitation/Reconstruction on
Approximately 62 KM of the Mazabuka to
Monze Town in Southern Province
d. Road Safety Audit Report for Draft
Preliminary Design Report for Upgrading
to Dual Carriageway of Approximately
25km Of The Twin Palm Road In Lusaka
Province Final Design for Rehabilitation/
Reconstruction on Approximately 62
KM of the Mazabuka to Monze Town in
Southern Province
e. Road Safety Audit Report for Draft Final
Design Report for Upgrading to Dual
Carriageway of Approximately 25km of
The Twin Palm Road In Lusaka Province
2.2.1.2 Road Safety Inspections (RSIs)
A Road Safety Inspection (RSI) is a formal safety
performance examination of an existing road.
It qualitatively estimates and reports on
potential road safety issues and identifies
opportunities for improvement in safety for all
road users. During the year under review the
RTSA undertook sixteen (16) RSIs while thirty
nine (39) RSIs were undertaken in 2020. The
inspections conducted included;
a. Lusaka Decongestion Project - Munali
Flyover Bridge, Traffic lights on various
roads, Makeni West Outer Ring Road,
Sharp curve on Nangwenya Road, Great
East Road – Lubuto Road Junction
b. L400 Project - Lilayi Road 5A and Lilayi
Road 5B
c. District RoadLusaka – Kabwe Road Road
Traffic Signs Gap Assessment
a. Improved Rural Connectivity Project
i. RD4-1 between Chimala (junction
16
with D1) and Kayambi
ii. RD61 between Chilundumuzi and
Chele Village
iii. R5 between Chimpemba (junction
with M3) and Chipampa
iv. R337 continuing from R5 at
Chipampa
2.2.1.2 Remedial Engineering Measures
During the year under review, Steward Globe
(AFRISEED) procured on behalf of the RTSA
eighteen (18) assorted road signs. The Road
Development Agency (RDA) installed the road
signs between Kabwe and Kapiri Mposhi. In the
year 2021, the Agency delivered ten (10)
warning signs to Road Development Agency
Copperbelt Region for installation on the T2
Road between Kabwe and Kapiri Mposhi and the
T3 Road between Kapiri Mposhi and Ndola.
The Agency also facilitated the installation of
six (06) pedestrian crossing warning signs on
Lumumba Road as part of remedial engineering
measures.
2.2.1.3 Development of the Rural Road Safety
Strategy
Road Safety in Zambia is a challenge, with traffic
r e l a t e d de a t h s o ne o f t he t o p c a us e s of
unnatural deaths. Fatalities have stabilised at
an average of 1,900 per annum (2020 RTSS
Report, 2021). Statistics on road traffic crashes in
the past few years have indicated an increase
of road crashes on inter-district roads compared
to urban roads. As part of the implementation
of the Improved Rural Connectivity Project
(IRCP), the road Sector, through the Agency
developed the strategy for rural road safety.
During the year under review, the RTSA printed
and distributed 700 copies of the rural road
safety strategy to stakeholders. The strategy
addresses road safety on rural roads in
Zambia to ensure the provision of a long term
safe environment for all users of rural roads
and contribute to the overall reduction in road
crashes, injuries and fatalities.
2.2.1.4 Crash Risk Mapping (Mapping of Traffic
Hotspots in Lusaka)
A cross sectional descriptive quantitative study
was undertaken to collect data by means of semi
structured interviews from 21 Police stations
in Lusaka Province (Lusaka district, Chilanga,
Mumbwa and Chisamba). The study aimed at
mapping of road traffic hotspots by conducting
an analysis of minor, serious and fatal crashes
on all the roads of Lusaka for the period 2018-
2020. The study was conducted in collaboration
with the Zambia Police Service and University
of Zambia School of Public Health (UNZA) with
funding from United Nations Development
Programme (UNDP).
Spatial analysis as a point processing framework,
was used to assess the distribution of Road Traffic
Crashes (RTC) and identify the Road Traffic
Crash Hotspots using spatial statistics in QGIS
v 3.20. This analysis involved the combination
of methods and techniques of Kernel Density
estimation (KDE) and Local indicators of Spatial
Association (LISA) to identify areas or locations
of highest density of RTCs.
A total of 7,918 RTCs were analysed in which
the nature of the crash was stratified in an
17
ordinal form as slight accidents (crash), serious
crash and fatal crash. Out of 7, 918 RTCs 5,411
(68.34%) were slight injuries, 1,644 (20.76%)
were serious RTCs and 863 (10.90%) were fatal
RTCs. The findings indicated that most of the
casualty type for fatal crash were pedestrians
with 12.72% of the total crashes, for serious
crashes the category other had the highest with
33.33%. For the slight injuries the pedestrians
and cyclists accounted for 77.67%. There was
evidence of an association between type of
casualty and nature of the crashes p-value<0.001.
From the best fit model above, results that
after adjusting for confounding variables, only
gender, time of accident, types of casualties,
number of casualties involved and motor
vehicles involved and age were statistically
significant.
2.2.1.4.1 Casualty Type and Nature of Crashes
The distribution of the nature of road traffic
crashes by casualty type is displayed in the figure
below. The figures shows that,predominately,
pedestrians were the more vulnerable to road
traffic crashes amongst all road users and
accounted for a total of 4,246 road traffic
crashes between 2018 and 2020, which is
distributed as follows, 540 fatal, 927 serious
and 2,779 slight.
the total crashes, for serious crashes the road traffic crashes between 2018 and 2020,
category other had the highest with which is distributed as follows, 540 fatal, 927
33.33%.For the slight injuries the pedestrians serious and 2,779 slight.
and cyclists accounted for 77 67%

Casualty Type and Nature of Crash

4,500 4,246
4,000
3,500
3,000 2,779
Frequency

2,500
2,000
1,406 1,251
1,500
1,012 927
1,000
855 748
581 540
500 259 289 15341 213
135 107 11057 31 18 5 54
19
0
MV driver MV Passenger Ped/Cyclist Pedestrians Ped/ Cyclist Other
Passenger
Slight Serious Fatal Total

Figure
Figure8:5:
Casualty Type
Casualty and and
Type Nature of Crash
Nature (from (from
of Crash Hotspots)
Hotspots)

18
Percent Crashes
2021 Annual by
Road Transport and Road
Safety StatusUser
Report Type

60.0% 54.0%
50.0%

40.0%

30.0%

20.0% 16.0% 18.0%

9.0%
10.0% 3.0%
1.0%
0.0%
Other Pedal cyclist Pedal cyclist MV Passenger MV Driver Pedestrian
Passenger

Figure 9: Percent Crashes by Road User Type

A total of 1,406 motor vehicle (MV) drivers
were involved in road traffic crashes with 135
classified as fatal road traffic crashes, 259 as
serious road traffic crashes and 1,012 as slight
road traffic crashes.
Motor vehicle passengers accounted for 1,251
road traffic crashes of which 107 were fatal,
289 serious and 855 slight. The results in the
figure shows that pedestrians accounted for
54% of the road traffic crashes followed by
motor vehicle drivers represented by 18%.
Motor vehicle Passengers were at 16% out of
the total 7,918 road traffic crashes recorded in
the three years recorded.

18
Table 4: Top ten hotspots from the survey

SN ROAD TRAFFIC CRASHES (RTC’S) HOTSPOTS COORDINATES FREQUENCY OF RTCS

2018 2019 2020 Total RTCs

LUMUMBA BUS STATION PREMISES Along mumbwa GPS: -15.415507951230692

road, 190m from Lumumba/ Mumbwa road 28.275771997869015 0.0 0.0
1 junction 11 26 30 67
Latitude: -15.415507950000000
Severity: Slight Road Type: Urban Longitude: 28.275772000000000
GPS: -15.443701615982564
Kafue Road Mike’s Car Wash
28.272919803857803 0.0 0.0
2 Severity: Serious 23 11 13 47
Latitude: -15.443701620000001
Road Type: Urban
Longitude: 28.272919800000000
GPS: -15.38016084320649
Great east road at Hybrid round about
28.36381182074547 0.0 0.0
3 Severity: Slight 13 13 18 44
Latitude: -15.380160840000000
Road Type: Urban
Longitude: 28.363811819999999
GPS: -15.456695234971317
Tokyo way and Kasama road Junction
28.328620903193954 0.0 0.0
4 Severity: Fatal 31 6 5 42
Latitude: -15.456695229999999
Road Type: Urban
Longitude: 28.328620900000001
GPS: -15.387465624296853
Lumumba Road at Buseko Market
28.267505429685116 0.0 0.0
5 Severity: Slight 16 3 19 38
Latitude: -15.387465620000000
Road Type: Urban
Longitude: 28.267505430000000
GPS: -15.420765284657728
Los Angeles road opposite city Market
28.277544602751732 0.0 0.0
6 Severity: Slight 11 12 15 37
Latitude: -15.420765279999999
Road Type: Urban
Longitude: 28.277544599999999
GPS: -15.434794208541268
Kafue Road Misisi Foot Bridge
28.277409151196476 0.0 0.0
7 Severity: Serious 24 10 3 37
Latitude: -15.434794210000000
Road Type: Urban
Longitude: 28.277409150000000
8 Los Angeles Road Near City Market GPS: -15.421317965983524
28.27777225524187 0.0 0.0
Severity: Slight
9 11 13 33
Latitude: -15.421317970000000
Road Type: Urban
Longitude: 28.277772259999999
9 Nationalist road and Burma road Junction GPS: -15.437057777247134
28.312101848423477 0.0 0.0
Severity: Serious
4 17 11 32
Latitude: -15.437057780000000
Road Type: Urban
Longitude: 28.312101850000001
10 Mosi O Tunya Road at Arthur Wina School GPS: -15.45590933289156
Severity: Slight 28.34993038326502 0.0 0.0
4 14 13 31
Road Type: Urban Latitude: -15.455909330000001

Longitude: 28.349930380000000

19
2.3 SAFE VEHICLES
The government through the
Agency has published
mechanisims for the periodic
assessment of vehicles to
ensure that all new and
in-use vehicles comply with
basic vehicle safety regulations. This includes
the mandatory certification and registration
systems for new and used vehicles based on
established safety requirements and combined
with routine inspections. The Agency enforces
the regulations for import of used vehicles
that are accompanied by inspections at entry
points, and mandatory periodic technical
inspection of vehicles.
2.3.1 Examinations of Motor Vehicles and
Trailers
shows the number of examination transactions
recorded.The transactions include
roadworthiness, driver tests among others
as shown in table 5. The lowest number was
that of mobile examinations and instructor
competency tests at 96 (0.02%) and 46 (0.01%)
respectively. From the examination transactions
recorded, a total revenue of K32.4 million was
collected compared to K31.46 million in 2020.
A total number of examinations for the period
under review were 652,152 compared to
613,631 in the year 2020 showing 6.3% increase
in the number of transactions. The increase
was attributed to the moderately increased
economic activities and sustained traffic law
enforcement during the period under review.

The Agency conducts examinations of motor

vehicles, trailers and drivers. The table below

Table 5: Number of Examination transactions for the period under review

Number of Percentage
No. Type of transactions Revenue (K)
Transactions (%)
1 Roadworthiness (Test Certificates) 271,508 12,760,876.00 41.633
2 Physical Inspections 142,477 6,696,419.00 21.847
3 Driver practical test 99,306 7,745,868.00 15.227
4 Driver theory test 96,809 14.845
5 Roadworthiness (Certificate of fitness) 40,009 1,889,423.00 6.135
6 Road Traffic Crash (RTC) examinations 1,901 0.291
7 Mobile examinations 96 3,306,244.00 0.015
8 Instructor competency test 46 7,728.00 0.007
Total 652,152 32,406,558.00 100

The highest number of transactions recorded 2.3.1.1 Examination of motor vehicles and
was that of roadworthiness (test certificates) trailers (Roadworthiness test)
at 271,508 representing 41.6%, followed by
The examination of motor vehicles and trailers
physical inspections at 142,477 representing
was conducted in order to ensure that all
21.8%, Driver practical test at 99,306 (15.23%),
vehicles that were driven on public roads were
Driver theory test at 96,809 (14.8%),
roadworthy and to deter the use of unsafe
roadworthiness (Certificate of fitness) at 40,009
vehicles which compromise road safety.
(6.14%) and Road Traffic Crash (RTC).

20
 private (Test Certificate) and Public Service 15,282 failed. There was a marginal increase
Vehicles (Certification of fitness). in the number of motor vehicles examined for

TwoA total number

(2) types of 271,508
of tests motor vehicles
were conducted namelyand were
roadworthiness
examined in from 269,081
the 2019 to 271,508
of which 251,941by
trailers
private wereCertificate)
(Test examined for androad worthiness
Public Servicefor passed
0.9% and
compared
15,282to 2020.There was a marginal
failed.
Vehicles (Certification
the issuance of test of fitness).
certificates against a increase in the Vehicle
a. Private numberExaminations
of motor vehicles
targetnumberof 265,000 of which examined for roadworthiness from 269,081 to
A total of 271,508 motor263,646
vehiclespassed
and
271,508 by 0.9% below
The figure compared to 2020.
shows the number of
while were
trailers 7,862 failed. for
examined Comparatively,
road worthiness 269,081
for
themotor
issuance of test certificates against and
a target of transactions for roadworthiness
a. Private Vehicle Examinationsexaminations
vehicles were examined 257,941
265,000 conducted on private vehicles for issuance of
passedof whichwhile 263,646
11,601 passed failedwhilein 7,862
2020 The figure below shows the number of transactions
f a i l e d . C o m p a r a t i v e l y, 2 6 9 , 0 8 1 m o t o r Test Certificates.
whereas267,223 were examined for roadworthiness examinations conducted on
vehicles were examined and 257,941 passed
private vehicles for issuance of Test Certificates.
while 11,601 failed in 2020 whereas 267,223

Figure 10: Number of transactions for roadworthiness examinations (Test Certificates)

Lusaka Province recorded the highest
num b er of v ehi cles subjecte d t o
roa d w ort h i n e ss examination with 134,698
(49.61%), followed by Copperbelt Province
with 68,003 (25%) and Western Province had
the lowest with 3,299 (1.38%).
Comparatively, in 2020, 49,198 Public Service
Vehicles were examined and 45,825 passed
while 3,373 failed and 40,401 Public Service
Vehicles were examined, 36,608 passed while
3,783 failed in 2019. The decrease in number
23 o f v e hi c l e s t e s t e d by 9, 189 ( 23%) w a s
of vehicles tested by 9,189 (23%)
2021 Annual Roadwas
Transport and Safety Status Report
attributed to decreased traffic law
enforcement. Copperbelt Province had the
highest number of Public Service Vehicles
(PSV) subjected to roadworthiness examination
with 17,432 (43.6%),
a. Public Service Vehicle (PSV) examinations
Figure above shows the number of transactions
for roadworthiness examinations conducted on
Public Service Vehicles (PSV) for issuance of
Certificate of Fitness (CoF). A total of 40,009
Public Service Vehicles (PSV) were examined
f o r i s s ua nc e o f C e r t i f i c a t e o f F i t n e ss.
Comparatively, in 2020, 49,198 Public Service
Vehicles were examined and 45,825 passed
while 3,373 failed and 40,401 Public Service
Vehicles were examined, 36,608 passed while
3,783 failed in 2019. The decrease in number
attributed to decreased traffic law
enforcement. Copperbelt Province had
the highest number of Public Service
Vehicles (PSV) subjected to roadworthiness
examination with 17,432 (43.6%), followed
by Lusaka Province with 14,200 (35.5%) and
Muchinga Province had the lowest with 430
(1.1%).

21
2.3.1.2 Mechanised Motor Vehicle Inspections
During the period under review a total of 886
vehicles were examined using the mechanised
Figure 11: Number of transactions for roadworthiness examinations (Certificate of Fitness)
Figure 12: Vehicle being examined using the mechanised equipment at RTSA Mimosa Station
2.4 POST-CRASH RESPONSE
Post-crash care and
survival is extremely
time-sensitive: delays of
minutes can make the
difference between life
and death. For this reason,
appropriate, integrated
and coordinated care should be provided as
soon as possible after a crash occurs.
2.4.1 Increase Coverage of Emergency Care
As part of the implementation of the Memorandum
of Understanding (MoU) on Road Safety, the
Ministry of Health has procured 150 ambulances
22
motor vehicle equipment and 771 motor vehicles
passed while 116 failed.
some of which will be used solely for emergence
response. Further the Road Transport and Safety
Agency has procured four sets of crash extraction
equipment and will ensure appropriate training
o f t e c hni c i a n s i n r e s c u e o pe r a t i o n s a n d
handling of crash extraction equipment.
Zambia is in the process of introducing a motor
vehicle accident fund (MVAF) fashioned on the
models found in Botswana, Namibia and South
Africa. Coming from the fuel levy, this fund will
be designed to take care of needs of road traffic
accidents’ victims from the accident scene
surveillance and rescue through medical care,
trauma care, rehabilitation and re-integration.
Some of the interventions undertaken in an
effort to increase coverage of emergency care
include;
2.4.1.1 Hospital capacity building in Trauma
Management
1. Creation and strengthening of trauma teams
through regular short courses
a. Zambia Trauma Management Course
b. Basic Emergency Care Course
c. Primary Trauma Care Course
d. Advanced Trauma Life Support etc.
2. Introduction of Emergency and Trauma
Nursing in 2019
a. First and second classes of 38 and 18
respectively graduated in 2019 and 2020 and
deployed in various facilities
3. Supporting of training for Emergency
Physician (Doctors)
a. Three (3) so far graduated from South Africa
and deployed at Ndola Teaching Hospital,
Levy Mwanawasa University Teaching Hospital
and University Teaching Hospitals
2.4.1.2 Development of Long Term Trauma
care and rehabilitation capacity
As part of capacity building in trauma care and
rehabilitation, the Ministry of Health is
constructing and upgrading trauma centers at
Liteta, Kabwe General Hospital, UTH, Nyimba,
Ndola and Chitambo Hospitals.
In addition, there is an initiative being mooted
between the Agency and the Surgical Society of
Zambia to conduct trauma care training for PSV
drivers as they are likely to be the first persons
at an accident scene involving a PSV vehicle.
Lay person responders have been trained along
the road stretch from Mazabuka to Zimba by the
Ministry of Health. RTSA has also trained first Aid
responders in schools.
23
The Agency is in the process of concluding a MoU
with the Defence Forces in order to co-operate
in emergency situations with a view to
implementing the 4th Pillar of the UN 2021-
2030 Decade of Actionand Road Traffic Law
Enforcement. It is intended to cooperate in a bid
to reduce road carnage through road traffic law
enforcement and the handling of emergencies
that follow a road traffic accident through the
provision of post-crash care by air lifting road
traffic accident victims.
2.5 MULTIMODAL TRANSPORT AND
LAND-USE PLANNING
With a larger proportion
of the Zambian
p o p u lation expected
to live in urban areas by
2030, increased demand
for urban mobility will
exceed the capacity of
systems that rely largely on private vehicles
such as cars. Investment in public transport
systems to facilitate safe and efficient
movement of large and growing populations
is therefore cardinal towards addressing this
issue. Public transport systems such as buses and
commuter trains carry more people compared to
private cars and are generally more affordable.
They also reduce exposure to crashes and are
a key avenue to improve safety, as stressed
in SDG target 11.2. Zambia is in the process of
introducing mass bus transits to decongest the
central business district.
 Nature and
Distribution of
Road Traffic Crashes

24
3.0 NATURE AND DISTRIBUTION OF ROAD TRAFFIC CRASHES
This section describes the nature and
distribution of the road safety statistics during
the year under review.
3.1 Road Traffic Crashes by
Province
The road traffic crashes in Zambia are
classified according to the severity of the
crash, which can be a fatal crash, serious
injuries, slight injuries and/or damages only.
During the year 2021, a total of 32,372 road
traffic crashes were recorded in the
countrywide. This number represents a 13.6%
(n = 3,888, N = 28,484) increase from 28,484
road traffic crashes recorded in the year 2020.

Table 6: Distribution of Road Traffic Crashes

PROVINCE FATAL SERIOUS SLIGHT DAMAGE ONLY TOTAL

Lusaka 488 792 2,924 13,570 17,774

Copperbelt 273 510 1,036 3,286 5,105
Central 267 388 547 1,508 2,710
Southern 120 224 417 928 1,689
Eastern 160 209 359 423 1,151
Northern 102 128 161 223 614
Luapula 89 203 188 299 779
North Western 94 201 286 612 1,193
Western 74 157 178 326 735
Muchinga 90 176 135 221 622
TOTAL 1,757 2,988 6,231 21,396 32,372

The table above displays the nature and
distribution of road traffic crashes by
province. Predominately, Lusaka province
recorded the topmost in all classifications
of road traffic crashes recording a total of
17,774. Northern province recorded the least
number of road traffic crashes with a total 614
crashes. Lusaka province recorded the highest
number of fatal road traffic crashes standing at
488 while Luapula province recorded the least
fatal crashes with 89 fatal crashes.
Figure 10 compares the number of road
traffic c r a s he s by pr o v i n c e t h a t w e r e
re c ord ed in 2020 compared to the year 2021.
The larger proportion of road traffic crashes
were recorded in Lusaka province followed by
the Copperbelt province. Nine provinces
recorded an increase is the road traffic crashes
while for Muchinga province recorded a slight
reduction in the number of crashes.

25
 RTC By Province - 2020 & 2021
18,000
16,000
14,000
12,000
10,000
8,000
6,000
4,000
2,000
0
Muching Norther Souther
Central C/Belt Eastern Luapula Lusaka N/West Western
a n n
RTC 2020 2,026 4,466 1,079 700 15,740 631 1,145 502 1,455 609
RTC 2021 2,710 5,105 1,151 779 17,774 622 1,193 614 1,689 735
Change 34% 14% 7% 11% 13% -1% 4% 22% 16% 21%

Figure
Figure13:
10:RTC
RTCbybyProvince
Provinceinin2020
2020and
and2021
2021

TheThe
map below
map below(figure 14)7)shows
(figure showsthe
thepercent
percent 54.9% of theof total
uppermost abovecrashes.
54.7% ofCopperbelt
the total
distribution of road traffic crashes by
distribution of road traffic crashes byprovince seconded
crashes. Copperbelt seconded with 15.8%was
with 15.8% and the least and
and with Lusaka contributing the uppermost of Northern province with 1.9%.
province and with Lusaka contributing the the least was Northern province with 1.9%.

Figure 14: Distribution of RTCs in Zambia

Figure 11: Distribution of RTCs in Zambia
The percent change are shown in figure 8 were the number of road traffic crashes comparing
Muchinga province had the decrease change in 2020 and 2021 having a decrease of 1%.
25
2021 Annual Road Transport and Safety Status Report

26
 change in the number of road traffic crashes

3.2 Road Traffic Crashes Severity

3.2Road
Road Traffic Crashes Severity
traffic accidents often result in injury,
total crashes recorded, 1,757 (5%) were fatal,
were fatal, 2,988 (9%) were serious, 6,231
2,988 (9%) were serious, 6,231 (19%) were
Road trafficand
death, accidents often
property result in
damage. injury,
From the (19%) were slight and 21,396 (66%) were
slight and 21,396 (67%) were damages only as
death, and total
32,372 property damage.
crashes From the
recorded, 32,372
1,757 (5%) damages only 15.
as shown in figure 9.
shown in figure

ROAD TRAFFIC CRASHES SEVERITY

FATAL
5% SERIOUS
9%

SLIGHT
19%
DAMAGE ONLY
67%

Figure 15: Road Traffic Crashes Severity

Figure 12: Road Traffic Crashes Severity

Figure 1610
Figure shows
showsa acomparison
comparisonofofroad
road traffic
traffic toattributed
an increased
to annumber of number
increased newly registered
of newly
crashes severity
crashes in in2020
severity 2020and
and2021.
2021.The
Thefigure
figure motor vehicles
registered in 2021
motor compared
vehicles in 2021tocompared
2020 and
shows an increase in all extents of severity; in the removal of Zambia Police officers on major
shows an increase in all extents of severity; to 2020 and the removal of Zambia Police
fatal crashes, serious injuries, slight injuries high way roads.
in fatal crashes, serious injuries, slight officers on major high way roads.
and damages only. The rise may be attributed
injuries and damages only. The rise may be

RTC BY SEVERITY IN 2020 AND 2021

26
32,372
28,484

2021 Annual Road Transport and Safety Status Report

21,396
18,568
1,404

1,757

2,783

2,988

5,729

6,231

TOTAL Fatal Serious Slight Damage Only

2020 2021

Figure 16:Road
Figure 13: Road traffic
traffic crashes
crashes severity severity
in 2020 andin 2020 and 2021
2021

The changes are depicted in figure 11 showing (2,828 crashes) while slight injuries increased
the percent change in the road traffic crashes by 9% (502 crashes), serious injuries increased
27
for 2019 and 2020. Fatal road crashes had the by 7% (205 crashes). Overall, the number of
 2020 2021

Figure 13: Road traffic crashes severity in 2020 and 2021

The changes are depicted in figure 11 showing (2,828 crashes) while slight injuries increased
The changes are depicted in figure 17 showing (2,828 crashes) while slight injuries increased
the percent change in the road traffic crashes by 9% (502 crashes), serious injuries increased
the percent change in the road traffic crashes by 9% (502 crashes), serious injuries increased
for 2019 and 2020. Fatal road crashes had the by 7% (205 crashes). Overall, the number of
for 2020 and 2021. Fatal road crashes had by 7% (205 crashes). Overall, the number of
greatest
the greatestchange with 25%
change with 25%(353(353 crashes)
crashes) road traffic
road trafficcrashes
crashesincreased
increasedbyby14%14%(3,888
(3,888
increase
increase compared
compared toto 2020
2020 statistics,
statistics, crashes
crashes crashes) compared
crashes) compared toto 2020
2020 statistics.
statistics.
that are
that damages
are damagestotoproperty
propertyincrease
increasebyby15%
15%

Percent Change in RTC Severity

4,500 30%
3,888
4,000
25% 25%
3,500
3,000 2,828 20%
2,500
15% 15%
2,000 14%
1,500 10%
9%
1,000 7%
502 5%
353
500 205
0 0%
Total Fatal Serious Slight Damage Only

Difference Percent Change

3.3 Road Traffic Crashes and Fatalities and 24% were in inter district roads. In spite
Figure
by Urban17: and
Percent
InterDifference in RTC Severity of urban areas having a high human
District Roads
Figure 14: Percent Difference in RTC Severity
3.3 Road Traffic Crashes and Fatalities by and 24% were
population in inter district
compared to ruralroads.
areas,In more
spite
The figures 12 and 13 shows the road traffic
Urban and Inter District Roads of urban areas
fatalities occur having
in a high
interhuman population
district roads
crashes by urban and inter district roads in 27
compared to rural areas, more fatalities occur
The figures 18 and 19 The
shows the road compared to urban roads. In 2021, 58% of the
2021 Annual Road Transport and Safety Status Report
Zambia respectively. charts showstraffic
that in inter district roads compared to urban roads.
crashes by urban and inter district roads in fatalities were on inter district roads while
76% of traffic crashes occurred in urban roads In 2021, 58% of the fatalities were on inter
Zambia respectively. The charts shows that urban roads
district roadsrecorded
while urban 42%.
roads recorded 42%.
76% of traffic crashes occurred in urban roads
Figure 15: RTC - Urban & Inter District Road Figure 16: Fatalities - Urban & Inter District Road

RTC Fatalities

24%
42%
58%

76%
Urban Roads Inter District Roads Urban Roads Inter District Roads

Figure 18: RTC - Urban & Inter District Road Figure 19: Fatalities - Urban & Inter District Road
These statistics may be attributed to the associated with speeding because of less
shorter distances to health care services and congestion on the road compared to urban
the availability of better quality health care roads, which have more congestion. Figure 14
services and post-crash care in urban areas. shows how each of the values contributes to
On the other hand, inter district roads are the total category.
28
Urban Vs Inter District Roads in 2021
 76%
Urban Roads Inter District Roads Urban Roads Inter District Roads

These statistics may be attributed to the associated with speeding because of less
These statistics may be attributed to the shorter associated with speeding and high impact
shorter distances to health care services and congestion on the road compared to urban
distances to health care services and the crashes on the road compared to urban roads.
the availability
availability of of betterquality
better qualityhealth
health care
care roads, which
Figure have more
20 shows how congestion.
each of theFigure 14
values
services andand post-crash
post-crashcare
carein in urban
urban areas.
areas. On shows how each
contributes to theoftotal
the category.
values contributes to
t he the
On o t her hand,
other hand,i nter
interdidistrict
stri ct roads
roads aare
re the total category.

Urban Vs Inter District Roads in 2021

Slight Injuries 65% 35%

Serious Injuries 44% 56%

Fatalities 42% 58%

RTCS 76% 24%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

The chart shows that 52% ofUrban Roads

the serious Inter District
damages Roads
only depending on their severity.
injuries
Figure
Figure occur
17:20: Urban
Urban onVsDistrict
Vs Inter inter Roads
Inter District roadsRTCsThe
district Roads figure 15 shows a comparison of the road
compared to urban roads with 48%. traffic crashes that were recorded by quarter
The chart shows that 56% of the serious injuries 28 fatal, serious injuries, slight injuries and
2021 Annual Road Transportin the
and years
Safety 2020 and 2021.
Status Report
occur
3.4 onQuarterly
inter district
Roadroads compared
Traffic Crashesto urban damages only depending on their severity. The
roads with 44%. figure 21 shows a comparison of the road traffic
Road traffic crashes in Zambia are classified crashes that were recorded by quarter in the
3.4 Quarterly Road Traffic Crashes
as fatal, serious injuries, slight injuries and years 2020 and 2021.
Road traffic crashes in Zambia are classified as

RTC by Quarter in 2020 and 2021

9000

8000

7000

6000

5000
8,505
8,407

8,059

7,981
7,889
7,401

4000
6,316
6,298

3000

2000

1000

0
QUARTER 1 QUARER 2 QUARTER 3 QUARTER4

2020 2021

Figure
Figure 18:21:
RoadRoad
TrafficTraffic
CrashesCrashes by
by Quarters Quarters

Comparison of road traffic crashes recorded be attributed to the removal of roadblocks

in the different quarters of 2020 and 2021 is and Police officers on major high ways and
29
shown figure 15. The figure shows a rise in urban roads.
Comparison of road traffic crashes recorded in 3.5 Trends in Road Traffic Crashes
the different quarters of 2020 and 2021 is shown
The country recorded a decline in the number
figure 21. The figure shows a rise in road traffic
road traffic crashes from 2015 to 2020. In the
crashes in all 4 quarters of 2021 compared
year 2021, the number of road traffic crashes
to quarters of 2020. Number of Road Traffic Crashes
were 32,372. Figure 22 shows the trends in the
35,000
road traffic crashes.
30,000

25,000
Number of Road Traffic Crashes
35,000
20,000

33,672
32,392

32,372
32,350

30,652

30,648
30,000

30,163
29,118

28,484
28,247

15,000
25,000
10,000
20,000
33,672
32,392

32,372
5,000 32,350

30,652

30,648
30,163
29,118

28,484
28,247

15,000
0
10,000 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021

Figure
5,00019: Trend in road traffic crashes

3.6 0 Trends in Road Traffic Fatalities Nevertheless, the year 2021 observed a rise
2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
in the number of road traffic fatalities to
Fatalities have also been gradually declining
Figure
Figure 22:
19: Trend
Trend in
in road
road traffic
trafficcrashes
crashes 2,163. This shows a 28% increase in the
from the year 2016 to 2020 which recorded
3.6
3.6 Trends
Trendsin
in Road TrafficFatalities
Road Traffic Fatalities The yearof
number 2021
Nevertheless, sawyear
a rise
fatalities
the in the
due
2021 to number a of
road traffic
observed road
rise
2,206 and 1,690 fatalities respectively.
traffic fatalities
accidents comparingto the
2,163.
yearThis
2020shows a 28%
and 2021.
Fatalities in the number of road traffic fatalities to
Fatalities had
have also
also shown decliningdeclining
been gradually from the
increase in the number of fatalities from 2020
year 2016 to 2020 trend as shown in figure 23. 2,163. This shows a 28% increase in the
from the year 2016 to 2020 which recorded to 2021.
number of fatalities due to road traffic
2,206 and 1,690 fatalities respectively.
accidents comparing the year 2020 and 2021.
Number of Fatalities
2,500

2,000
Number of Fatalities
2,500
1,500
2,360

2,206

2,000
2,163
2,113

1,989
1,858
1,851

1,817

1,000
1,746

1,690

1,500
500
2,360

2,206

2,163
2,113

1,989
1,858
1,851

1,817

1,000
1,746

1,690

0
2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
500
Figure20:
Figure 23:Number
Numberofoffatalities
fatalitiesfrom
from2012
2012toto2021
2021

0
2012 2013 2014 2015 30
2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
2021 Annual Road Transport and Safety Status Report

Figure 20: Number of fatalities from 2012 to 2021

30
 Figure 17
Figure 17 shows
shows the
the trends
trends in
in the
the road
road traffic
traffic steady decline
steady decline can
can be
be seen
seen from
from the
the year
year
fatalities
Figure due to
23 shows
fatalities due tothe
road
road traffic
trends accidents
inaccidents
traffic and
the road and aa
traffic 2016Trends
2016
3.7 to the
to the year
year 2020 Population
in Human
2020
fatalities due to road traffic accidents and a
3.7 decline
3.7 Trendscan
Trends in Human
in Human from
Population Figure
the 24 shows
the Zambia
Zambia the trends
Statistical
Statistical in population
Agency
Agency from
(Population
(Population
steady be seen Population
the year 2016
2012 to 2021. TheProjections
and Demographic
and Demographic population2011
Projections of Zambia
2011 2035,for
–– 2035,
toFigure
the year 2020 the trends in population from
18 shows
shows
Figure 18 the trends in population from the year 2021 is projected at 18,400,556 by
ZAMSTATS, 2013).
ZAMSTATS, 2013).
2012 to
2012 to 2021.
2021. The
The population
population of
of Zambia
Zambia for
for the Zambia Statistical Agency (Population
the year
the year 2021
2021 isis projected
projected at
at 18,400,556
18,400,556 by
by and Demographic Projections 2011–2035,
ZAMSTATS, 2013).

Zambia Human
Zambia Human Population
Population
20,000,000
20,000,000
18,000,000
18,000,000
16,000,000
16,000,000
14,000,000
14,000,000
12,000,000
12,000,000

18,400,556
18,400,556
17,885,422
17,885,422
17,381,168
17,381,168
16,887,720
16,887,720
16,405,229
16,405,229
15,933,883
10,000,000
15,933,883
15,473,905

10,000,000
15,473,905
15,023,315
15,023,315
14,580,290
14,580,290
14,145,327
14,145,327

8,000,000
8,000,000
6,000,000
6,000,000
4,000,000
4,000,000
2,000,000
2,000,000
00
2012
2012 2013
2013 2014
2014 2015
2015 2016
2016 2017
2017 2018
2018 2019
2019 2020
2020 2021
2021

Figure
Figure 24:
Figure 21:
21: Zambia
Zambia
Zambia Population
Population
Population
(Source:
(Source:
(Source: ZAMSTATS
ZAMSTATS
ZAMSTATS 2013,
2013,
2013, Population
Population
Population Projections)
Projections)
Projections)

3.8 Trends
3.8 Trends in
in Motor
Motor Vehicle
Vehicle Population
Population vehicles registered in Zambia by the Agency
3.8 Trends in Motor Vehicle Population across 10 years. The number of vehicle current
Figure 19
Figure 19 shows
shows the
the cumulative
cumulative number
number ofof Agencyatacross
Agency
stands across
899,18610vehicles.
10 years. The
years. The number
number ofof
Figure 25 shows the cumulative number of motor
motor vehicles
motor vehicles registered
registered in
in Zambia
Zambia by
by the
the vehicle current
vehicle current stands
stands at
at 899,186
899,186 vehicles.
vehicles.

Cumulative Number
Cumulative Number of
of Registered
Registered Vehicles
Vehicles
1,000,000
1,000,000
900,000
900,000
800,000
800,000
700,000
700,000
600,000
600,000
899,186
899,186
853,909
853,909
822,882

500,000
822,882

500,000
782,136
782,136
737,671
737,671
696,474
696,474
663,562
663,562

400,000
605,637

400,000
605,637
534,532
534,532
452,574
452,574

300,000
300,000
200,000
200,000
100,000
100,000
00
2012
2012 2013
2013 2014
2014 2015
2015 2016
2016 2017
2017 2018
2018 2019
2019 2020
2020 2021
2021

Figure 22: Cumulative number of MV Population

Figure 22: Cumulative number of MV Population
Figure 25: Cumulative number of MV Population
31
31
2021Annual
2021 AnnualRoad
RoadTransport
Transportand
andSafety
SafetyStatus
StatusReport
Report

31
 3.9 Crash Rate per Human and Motor steady decline from 17 fatalities per 100,000
Vehicle Population population in 2012 to 9 in 2020. However, the
year 2021 recorded an increase to 12 in terms
The road traffic crashes and fatalities trends
of the number of fatalities per 100,000 human
from 2012 to 2020 shows that the number
population.
of fatalities per 100,000 population show a
Table 7: Crash Rate per Human and MV Population

Year Cumulative No. Zambia No. of No. of No. of No. of No. of accidents No. of
of Registered accidents Fatalities accidents Fatalities per 100,000 fatalities
Population
Motor Vehicles per 10,000 per 10,000 population per 100,000
vehicles vehicles population
2012 452,574 14,145,327 28,247 2,360 624 52 200 17

2013 534,532 14,580,290 29,118 1,851 545 35 200 13

2014 605,637 15,023,315 32,392 1,858 535 31 216 12

2015 663,562 15,473,905 33,672 2,113 507 32 218 14

2016 696,474 15,933,883 32,350 2,206 464 32 215 15

2017 737,671 16,405,229 30,163 1,989 409 27 184 12

2018 782,136 16,887,720 30,652 1,817 392 23 182 11

2019 822,882 17,381,168 30,648 1,746 372 21 176 10

2020 853,909 17,885,422 28,484 1,690 334 20 159 9

2021 899,186 18,400,556 32,372 2,163 360 24 176 12

Results show that there has been progress in
the fight against road carnage from 2012 to
2020, however, it is quite alarming at how
there was an increase in the number of
traffic crashes in the year 2021. Therefore,
more consented efforts among stakeholders in
the fight needs to be up scaled if this progress
is to be sustained.
3.10 Types of Motor Vehicle in Road
Crashes
Figure 20 shows the type of motor vehicles that
were involved in the 32,372 road traffic crashes
that occurred in 2021. The highest proportion
(61%, 26,471) of vehicles involved in crashes
were private motor vehicles, cars, and vans.
Goods vehicles represented 6,341(14.5%) of
vehicles involved in road crashes while 4,313
(10%) was represented by Omni buses.

32
 Type of MV in RTC
Carts 0.1%
49
Type of MV in RTC
0.1%
Carts 0.2%
Tractor
49
78
PedalTractor
Cycle 0.2%
2.8%
78
1,191
Pedal
Motor Cycles 2.8%
Cycle 3.3%
1,191
1,428
Motor Cycles
Unknown M/V 3.3%
3.4%
1,428
1,486
Unknown
Taxis/Contract Vehicles 3.4%
M/V 4.2%
1,486
1,821
Taxis/Contract
OmniVehicles
buses 4.2%
10.0%
1,821
4,313
GoodsOmni
Vehicles 10.0%
buses 14.7%
4,313
6,341
PrivateGoods
M/Cars,Vans 14.7%
Vehicles 61.3%
6,341 26,471
Private M/Cars,Vans0 61.3%
5,000 10,000 15,000 20,000 25,000 26,471
30,000

0 5,000 10,000 15,000 20,000 25,000 30,000

Figure 23: Type of Motor Vehicles in Road traffic crashes
Figure 26: Type of Motor Vehicles in Road traffic crashes
Figure 23: Type of Motor Vehicles
Taxi’s/contract vehicles hadin 1,821
Road traffic crashes chances of having an accident using a private
(4.2%).
Taxi’s/contract
These vehiclesaccounted
statistics vehicles
Taxi’s/contract represent had view
the 1,821 (4.2%).
that
for the
4.2% chances
motor
3.11 of having
vehicle/car
Road TrafficanCrash
etc accident
were Timeusing
high. a private
of the Day
(1,821).
These These statistics
statistics suggest
represent thethat thethat
view chances
the motor vehicle/car etc were high.
The distribution of road traffic crashes by time
of being involved in a crash in a private motor
of the day is displayed in figure 27. The figure
3.11 Roadetc
vehicle/car Traffic Accident Time of the
were high. figure shows that a larger number of RTCs
shows that a larger number of RTCs were
Day
3.11 Road Traffic Accident Time of the figurerecorded
were shows that a larger18:00
between number of RTCs
hours and
recorded between 18:00 hours and 20:00 hours.
Day weretrend
20:00 recorded
hours. between 18:00 hours and
The distribution of road traffic crashes by This isThis trend
similar in is similar
both 2020inand
both 2020
2021.
20:00
and hours. This trend is similar in both 2020
2021.
The of
time distribution of road traffic
the day is displayed crashes
in figure by
22. The The least number of crashes were between
and 2021.
time of the day is displayed in figure 22. The
Time of Accident
Time of Accident
16%
14%
16%
12%
14%
10%
12%
8%
10%
6%
8%
4%
6%
2%
4%
0%
2%
07:00 to 09:00 to 12:00 to 14:30 to 16:00 to 18:00 to 20:00 to 23:59 to
0% 09:00 12:00 14:30 16:00 18:00 20:00 23:59 07:00
07:00 to 09:00 to 12:00 to 14:30 to 16:00 to 18:00 to 20:00 to 23:59 to
2020 10% 13% 12% 11% 14% 16% 14% 10%
09:00 12:00 14:30 16:00 18:00 20:00 23:59 07:00
2021
2020 10% 13% 12% 11% 14% 15% 14% 10%
10% 13% 12% 11% 14% 16% 14% 10%
2021
Figure 24:27:
Figure Road 10%
traffic
Road by13%
crashescrashes
traffic the12%
time ofby 11%day
day of the
time 14% 15% 14% 10%

Figure 24: Road traffic crashes by time of the day

33
2021 Annual Road Transport and Safety Status Report
33
2021 Annual Road Transport and Safety Status Report

33
The least number of crashes were between in the year 2021. The statistics of the number
The least number
07:00-09:00
07:00-09:00 hours of crashes
and
hours and the werenumber
the highest
highest between
numberofof in the year
crashes
of by2021.
crashes time The statistics
of the
by time ofday of
theare theare
also
day number
presented
also
crashes
crashes occurred
07:00-09:00 hoursbetween
occurred and the 18:00-20:00
between highest hours
number
18:00- 20:00 ofin
hours ofin crashes
the chart
presented below.
inby
thetime
chartof the day are also
below.
the yearoccurred
crashes 2021. The statistics
between of the
18:00- number
20:00 hoursof presented in the chart below.
Crashes by Time of Day
6,000 Crashes by Time of Day
6,000
5,000
of Crashes

5,000
4,000
of Crashes

4,000
3,000
Number

3,000
2,000
Number

2,000
1,000
1,0000
07:00 to 09:00 to 12:00 to 14:30 to 16:00 to 18:00 to 20:00 to 23:59 to
0 09:00 12:00 14:30 16:00 18:00 20:00 23:59 07:00
07:00 to 09:00 to 12:00 to 14:30 to 16:00 to 18:00 to 20:00 to 23:59 to
2020 2,843
09:00 3,641
12:00 3,411
14:30 3,112
16:00 4,088
18:00 4,565
20:00 3,960
23:59 2,864
07:00
2021
2020 3,241
2,843 4,060
3,641 4,005
3,411 3,604
3,112 4,602
4,088 5,002
4,565 4,541
3,960 3,317
2,864
2021 3,241 4,060 4,005 3,604 4,602 5,002 4,541 3,317
Figure 25: Road traffic crashes by time of the day
Figure
Figure 25:28:
RoadRoad
traffictraffic
crashescrashes
by time ofby
thetime
of the day day
3.12 Road Traffic Crashes by Day of the occurred on Saturdays with 5,311 (16.4%)
Week Road
Road Traffic
Traffic Crashes by Day
Dayofofthe
the
3.12 The Highest
occurred on number of RTC’s
Saturdays in 2021(16.4%)
withrecorded
5,311 occurred
3.12 Crashes by RTCs recorded, Fridays 5,234
Week
Week on Saturdays with 5,311 (16.4%) RTCs recorded,
RTCs recorded,
(16.2%). Fridaysnumber
The lowest recorded 5,234
Figure 23 shows the distribution of RTC’s by Fridays recorded 5,234 (16.2%). of TheRTC’s
lowest
Figure 29 shows the distribution of RTC’s by (16.2%). The lowest
occurredofonRTC’s
Tuesdays number
with 4,220 of RTC’s
(13%) road
Figure
days of23the
shows
weekthe
in distribution
the year 2020ofand
RTC’s by
2021. number occurred on Tuesdays with
days of the week in the year 2020 and 2021. occurred on Tuesdays with 4,220 (13%) road
days crashes.
4,220 (13%) road crashes.
The ofHighest
the week in the year
number 2020 and
of RTC’s in 2021.
2021
crashes.
The Highest number of RTC’s in 2021
Crashes by Day of the Week
6,000
Crashes by Day of the Week
6,000
5,000
5,000
of Crashes

4,000
of Crashes

4,000
3,000
Number

3,000
2,000
Number

2,000
1,000
1,000
0
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
2020 0
3,965
Monday 3,710
Tuesday 3,828
Wednesday 3,897
Thursday 4,640
Friday 4,628
Saturday 3,816
Sunday
2021
2020 4,369
3,965 4,220
3,710 4,265
3,828 4,553
3,897 5,234
4,640 5,311
4,628 4,420
3,816
% Contribution 2021
2021 13.5%
4,369 13.0%
4,220 13.2%
4,265 14.1%
4,553 16.2%
5,234 16.4%
5,311 13.7%
4,420
% Contribution 2021
Figure 29: Road Traffic 13.5% 13.0%
Crashes by 13.2%
Day of the week 14.1% 16.2% 16.4% 13.7%

3.13 Classification of Casualties 34 a 28% increase in the number of persons who

2021 Annual Road Transport and Safety Status Report
34 died in RTC compared to those recorded in the
A total of 2,163 lives were lost on Zambian
2021 Annual Road Transport and Safety Status Report
year 2020.
roads in the year 2021. This number represents

34
 3.13 Classification of Casualties represents a 28% (𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛1 = 1,690, 𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛2 = 2,163)
increase in the number of persons killed
A total of 2,163 lives were lost on Zambian
compared to those recorded in the year 2020.
roads in the year 2021. This number

Classification of Casulties
57%
10,000 55% 70%
9,000
60%
8,000
7,000 32% 50%

6,000 31%
40%
5,000

9,182

8,190
4,000
13% 30%

12%

5,307
3,000 20%

4,427
2,000
2,163

10%
1,690

1,000
0 0%
Persons Killed Serious Injuries Slight Injuries

2021 Number 2020 Number 2021 Percent 2020 Percent

Figure 30: Classification of Casualties in 2020 and 2021

Figure 27: Classification of Casualties in 2019 and 2020
From the total 16,652 casualties recorded,
From the total 16,652 casualties recorded, 3.14 Fatalities
classification by Province
of casualties. Figure 27 shows
slight injuries were 9,182 showing an increase
slight injuries were 9,182 showing an increase The map
that (figure
persons with31)slight
shows the distribution
injuries accountedof
from 8,190 in 2020 while serious injuries were
from 8,190 fatalities
for due to road
the majority of thetraffic accidents
casualties in Zambia
having 55%
5,307 whichin was2020anwhile seriousfrom
increase injuries werein
4,427
in the year 2021. Lusaka recorded the
while seriously injured were 32% and slightly highest
25,307
0 2 0 . which
F i g u r was
e a ban
o v increase
e p r e s e nfrom
t s t h4,427
e 202in1
with 23.9% followed by Copperbelt with 21.4%
classification
2020. Figureof above casualties. Figurethe
presents 30 shows
2021 injured were 13%.
and Central with 14.7%. Western province
that persons with slight injuries accounted for
recorded the least numbers of fatalities with
the majority of the casualties having 55% while
4.1% of the total.
seriously injured were
3.14 Fatalities 32% and slightly injured
by Province the highest with 23.9% followed by
were 13%. Copperbelt with 21.4% and Central with
The map (figure 29) shows the distribution
14.7%. Western province recorded the least
of fatalities due to road traffic accidents in
numbers of fatalities with 4.1% of the total.
Zambia in the year 2021. Lusaka recorded

35
2021 Annual Road Transport and Safety Status Report

Figure 31: Distribution of Fatalities in Zambia

35
With a total of 2,163 lives lost as a result of with 462 (21.4%), Central with 317 fatalities
road traffic accidents in 2021, Lusaka province (14.7%), Eastern with 174 (8%) and the least
recorded the highest having 516 fatalities was Western province with 88 fatalities (4.1%).
representing 23.9%, followed by Copperbelt

Fatalities by Province - 2020 & 2021

600

500

400

300
516

462
445

200
317
314

259

100
177
174
153

135
123

117
105
101

100
92

88
58

49

68
0
Lusaka C/belt Central Southern Eastern Northern Luapula N\Western Western Muchinga

2020 2021

Figure 32: Fatalities by Province

The percent change are shown in figure 33 recorded reductions in road traffic fatalities
were Northern recorded the greatest change which included Eastern province with 2% and
with 133% increase followed by Western province North Western with 5% decreas.
with 80% increase each. Only two province

Figure 33: Percent Change in Fatalities by Province

36
 -30%

-4%
-61% -28%
-80%
Figure 30: Percent Change in Fatalities by Province

FatalitiesbybyRoad
3.15 Fatalities RoadUser
UserType
Type Passenger
fatalities fatalities stood
stood at 531 outatof531
theout of the
total 2,163
road 2,163
total trafficroad
fatalities
trafficrecorded.
fatalitiesMV Passenger
recorded.
Figure 34
Figure 31 shows
showsthat
thatpedestrians
pedestriansaccounted for
accounted fatalities
MV accounted
Passenger for 24.5%
fatalities of the total
accounted fatalities
for 25% of
the the
for majority of the
majority of fatalities with with
the fatalities 48.6%48.9%
of the
and was the second highest after pedestrians
fatalities followed by Motor Vehicle passengers the total fatalities and was the second
of the fatalities followed by Motor Vehicle which was 48.6%.
representing 24.5%. Motor Vehicle Passenger highest after pedestrians which was 49%.
passengers representing 25%. Motor Vehicle

Fatalities by Road User Type

1,200 60.0%
48.6%
1,000 50.0%

800 40.0%

600 24.5% 30.0%

400 20.0%
1.8% 9.6% 10.3%
200
2.3% 2.9% 10.0%
38 50 62 207 223 531 1,052
0 0.0%
Pedal Cycle Motor Cycle Motor Cycle Motor Vehicle Pedal Cyclist Motor Vehicle Pedestrian
Passenger Passenger Driver Driver Passenger
Figure
Figure31:
34:Fatalities
Fatalitiesby
byRoad
RoadUser
UserType
Type

Figure 35 shows that the year 2020 recorded a 37 to 1,052 in 2021 indicating an increase in the
lower number of pedestrian fatalities compared
2021 Annual number
Road Transport and of Report
Safety Status pedestrians killed.

Figure 35: Fatalities by road user type in 2020 and 2021

37
3.16 Serious Injuries by Province
The map (figure 36) shows the distribution of
fatalities due to road traffic accidents in Zambia
in the year 2021. Lusaka recorded the highest
with 20.8% followed by Central with 15.5%.
Northern province recorded the least numbers
of fatalities with 5.1% of the total.

Figure 36: Serious injuries by province

3.17 CHILDREN CASUALTIES category, the numbers show that more
3.17 CHILDREN CASUALTIES numbers show that more males died in RTCs
males were killed (151) as compared to
3.17.1 Children fatalities by Gender (151) as compared to females (62), more males
3.17.1 Children fatalities by Gender females (62), more males were seriously
were seriously injured (290) as compared to
Figure 34 shows that male children had a injured (290)
Figure 37 shows that male children had a higher females (235) as compared
and to females
more males (235)
were slightly
higher number
number of casualties
of casualties comparedcompared to
to their and more
injured males
(418) were slightly
as compared to injured (418)in
males (301)
their counterparts
female female counterparts in every
in every casualty casualty
category, the 2021.
as compared to males (301) in 2021.

Child Casualties by Gender

450 418
400
Number of Casualties

350 301
290
300
235
250
200 151
150
100 62
50
0
Killed Serious Slight

Male Female

Figure 37: Child Casualties by Gender

Figure 34: Child Casualties by Gender
Child fatalities are compared for the years fatalities for males were higher is both years
Child
2020fatalities
and 2021 are compared
In figure forshows
38, data the years
that fatalities
compared fortomales were higher is both years
females.
2020 and 2021 In figure 35, data shows that compared to females.

Comparision of Child Fatalities 2020 & 2021

160 151 38
140
 Figure 38: Child fatalities in 2021 and 2022

3.17.2
3.17.2Classification
Classificationofofchild
ChildFatalities
Fatalities casualties
followedhaving 49% followed
by serious by serious
injuries with 36% and
fatalities
injuries with(died) withfatalities
36% and 15%. (killed) with
Figure 39
Figure 36shows that that
shows slight injuries comprised
slight injuries
of the majority 15%.
3.18.1 Driver Errors
comprised of of
thechild casualtiesofhaving
majority child49%

Classification of Child Casualties

15%

49%

36%

killed serious slight

Figure 39: Child casualties classification

Figure 36: Classification of Child Casualties

3.17.3 ChildFatalities
3.17.3 Child Fatalitiesby
byRoad
RoadUser
UserType pedestrianaccounted
Type pedestrian accounted most
most of of
thethe fatalities
fatalities
The general trend on fatalities for all road with with73%
73% followed
followed by
by motor
motor vehicle
vehicle child
child
The general
users trend for
is the same on child
fatalities for allasroad
fatalities child passengers with 21%.
passengers with 21%.
users is the same for child fatalities as child

Child Fatalities by Road User Type

200 80.0%
180 72.8% 70.0%
160
155 60.0%
140
120 50.0%

100 40.0%
80 30.0%
20.7% 39
60
 Children Fatalities by Road User Type
180 80.0%
72.8%
160 70.0%
155
140
60.0%
120
50.0%
100
40.0%
80
30.0%
60 20.7%
20.0%
40
44 1.4% 1.4%
3.8% 10.0%
20
8 3
3
0 0.0%
Pedstrian M/V Passenger Cycle Passenger Cyclist P/In the Road

No. of Fatalities Percent

Figure 40: Child Fatalities by Road User Type

3.18 CONTRIBUTORY FACTORS The figure shows that, Human errors are
3.18 CONTRIBUTORY FACTORS leading contributor
contributor to road
to road traffic
traffic crashesand
crashes
Figure 38 shows the distribution of
Figure 41 shows the distribution of contributory accounted
and 87.85%,
accounted while weather
87.85%, condition
while weather
contributory
factors factors
to road to road
traffic traffic The
crashes. crashes.
figure was the least with just 0.18%.
condition was the least with just 0.18%.
shows that, Human errors are leading

RTC Contributing Factors

100%
87.85%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10% 3.64% 5.44%
0.18% 0.19% 0.32% 1.14% 1.25%
0%
Weather Obstruction Road Wandering Vehicle Cause not Other Human Error
Condition Condition Animal Defects Traced Causes

Figure 41: Contributing Factors

Figure 38: Road Traffic Crashes contributory factors
3.18.1 Human Error errors, 6.97% were pedestrian errors and the
Human errors were singled out and analysed. least was cyclist errors with 0.36%.
Figure 42 shows that of the total Human
3.17.1 Human Error errors, 92.01% road traffic crashes were
errors, 92.01% road traffic crashes were driver
driver errors, 6.97% were pedestrian errors
Human errors were singled out and analysed.
and the least was cyclist errors with 0.36%.
Figure 36 shows that of the total Human

Human Error Categories

100% 92.01%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50% 40
 Figure 42: Human errors categories
Figure 39: Human Errors category

3.18.1 Driver
3.18.1Errors
Driver Errors excessive speed indicating
out at 18.44% standing outthatatmost
18.44% has the
of the
highest
errorserrors.
are Additionally, failingspeeding.
due to excessive to keep near
Driver errors are errors
Driver furthersarecategorised in smaller in
furthers categorized
sideAdditionally,
and misjudging
failingclearing
to keepdistance
near sidehad
and17.80
errors andsmaller
figure 43 showsand
errors distribution
figure 40of the
shows
andmisjudging
17.7% respectively.
clearing distance had 17.80 and
errors. The figure shows
distribution of the driver errors37with
errors. Figure shows
17.66% respectively.
driver errors with excessive speed standing

Driver Error Categories

Excessive Speed 4,826

18.4%
Failing to keep to near side 4,658
17.8%
Misjudging Clearance Distance 4,622
17.7%
Cutting 2,701
10.3%
Reversing Neglingently 2,046
7.8%
Overtaking improperly 1,454
5.6%
Failing to Obey traffic signal/sign 1,257
4.8%
Other Error of Judgement 997
3.8%
Inexperienced Driver 808
3.1%
Turning right without due care 751
2.9%
441
Turning left without due care
1.7%
416
Inattentive/Attention divertet
1.6% 228
Skidding
0.9% 200
Under Influence of drinking/drug
0.8%
184
Driver Asleep
0.7%
Failing to Signal
145
0.6%
Neglegently Opening the door
135
0.5%
Dazzled by Lights 135
0.5%
Stopped Suddenly 87
0.3%
Turning round in road 72
0.3%
0 1,000 2,000 3,000 4,000 5,000 6,000
Percent of Driver Errors

Figure 43: Driver errors

Figure 40: Driver errors

41
 3.18.2 Pedestrian Errors that majority of the pedestrian errors were
as a result of pedestrian crossing the road,
With pedestrian error accounting for 6.97% of
3.18.2 Pedestrian Errors accounting
shows thatfor 83.14% of
majority of the
the pedestrian
total pedestrian
errors
the human errors, pedestrian errors are
errors
were asand 5.09%ofof
a result the total
pedestrian road the
crossing traffic
road,
broken down
Pedestrian erroras accounted
shown in table 9. It of
for 6.97% shows
the
accounting for 83.14% of the total pedestrian
crashes.
human errors, pedestrian errors were broken
errors and 5.09% of the total road traffic crashes.
down as8:shown
Table in the
Pedestrian table below. The table
Error
Table
No.8: Pedestrian Error
Pedestrian Error Number of RTCs % Pedestrian %of Total Number
caused Errors of RTCs
No. Pedestrian Error Number of RTCs % Pedestrian %of Total Num-
1 Pedestrian crossing the road caused
1,647 Errors
83.14% ber of RTCs
5.09%
12 Walking, standing
Pedestrian onthe
crossing road
road 167
1,647 8.43%
83.14% 0.52%
5.09%
23 Playing onstanding
Walking, the roadon road 106
167 5.35%
8.43% 0.33%
0.52%
34 Sudden illness
Playing on the road 19
106 0.96%
5.35% 0.06%
0.33%
45 Under
Suddentheillness
influence of drink/drug 4219 2.12%
0.96% 0.13%
0.06%
5 TOTAL
Under the influence of drink/drug 1,981
42 100%
2.12% 6.12%
0.13%
TOTAL 1,981 100% 6.12%

Theresults
The results above
above are
are displayed
displayed in
inthe figure
figure 44 crossing
the road the road
having thehaving the(83.1%)
highest highest (83.1%)
and sudden
41 showing
showing the percentages
the percentages with pedestrian
with pedestrian crossing and sudden
illness illness
having having
the least the least (1%).
(1%).

Pedestrian Error

1,647
Pedestrian crossing the road
83.1%

167
Walking, standing on the road
8.4%

106
Playing on the road
5.4%

42
Under the influence of drink/drug
2.1%

19
Suden illness
1.0%

0 200 400 600 800 1,000 1,200 1,400 1,600 1,800

Figure 44: Pedestrian errors

Figure 41: Pedestrian errors
3.18.3 Passenger Errors

Among the passenger errors, it was observed 43 for 91.53% while negligence on the part of the
that passengers falling from a vehicle accounted
2021 Annual conductor
Road Transport and stood at 8.47%
Safety Status Report

42
 Table 9: Passenger Error

No. Passenger Error Number of %Passenger %of Total Number

RTCs caused Errors of RTCs
1 Passengers falling from the vehicle 173 91.53% 0.53%
2 Negligence on the part of the conductor 16 8.47% 0.05%
TOTAL 189 100% 0.01

Table 10: Motor vehicle defects

No. Motor Vehicle Defects Number of RTCs % MV %of Total

caused Defects Number of RTCs
1 Brakes 139 34.41% 0.43%
2 Tyres 141 34.90% 0.44%
3 Steering 20 4.95% 0.06%
4 Springs 13 3.22% 0.04%
5 No front light 1 0.25% 0.00%
6 No rear light/reflector 9 2.23% 0.03%
7 Unattended vehicle running away 43 10.64% 0.13%
8 Smashed windscreen 4 0.99% 0.01%
9 Vehicle overloaded 34 8.42% 0.11%
TOTAL 404 100% 1.25%

3.19 Motor Vehicle Defects very small contribution to the total number of
road traffic crashes as it contributed 1.25%.
Motor vehicle defects are shown in the table
below in their contribution to road traffic crashes. 3.20 WANDERING ANIMALS
Motor vehicle tyres recorded the highest number of
Wandering animals also contribute to the road
defects with 34.90% followed by brakes which
traffic crashes that occur. Statistics show that
also recorded a high number of defects having
dogs on the road accounts for 13.01% of crashes
accounted for 31.38% of the total motor vehicle
due to animals on the road. Other domestic
defects. The least recorded that contributed to
animal on the road accounts for 82.11% while
traffic crashes were vehicles with no front lights
other animals had contributed 4.88%.
with 1.41%. Motor vehicle defects accounts for a

Table 11: Wandering Animals

No. Wandering Animal Number of %Passenger % of Total Number

RTCs caused Errors of RTCs
1 Dog on the road 48 13.01% 0.15%
2 Other domestic animal on the road 303 82.11% 0.94%
3 Other animals on the road 18 4.88% 0.06%
TOTAL 369 100% 1.14%

43
3.21 WEATHER CONDITIONS 2021. The most common factors recorded
include accidents caused by heavy down pours.
Environmental factors such as weather conditions
caused 0.05% of the traffic crashes in the year

2021 ROAD TRANSPORT & SAFETY STATUS

Road Traffic Fatalities

2,163 fatalities were recorded ROAD TRAFFIC FATALITIES BY PROVINCE

on Zambian roads

28% increase from 1,690

fatalities recorded in 2020

CHILDREN FATALITIES

10%
of those killed in
road traffic crashes
were children under
the age of
FATALITIES BY ROAD USER TYPE
16 Years

29% 71%
Fatalities were Fatalities were
Female Children Male Children

URBAN AND INTER DISTRICT ROADS

FATALITIES

49% 12% 5%

66% of persons killed were

vulnerable road users

Figure 44: Road Traffic Crashes summary

44
 Conclusion and
Recommendations

45
4.1 CONCLUSION
Road traffic crashes are a growing public health
concern globally and they disproportionality
affect the poor and vulnerable sections of
society. Most road traffic crashes (RTCs) are
both predictable and preventable. There is
considerable evidence that various measures
and interventions being put in place by the
Agency and various stakeholders in the road
sector yielded good results in making our roads
safer.
From the road traffic crashes and fatalities
trends of 2012 to 2020, the number of fatalities
per 100,000 population has shown a steady
decline from 17 fatalities per 100,000 population
recorded in 2012 compared to 9 in 2020 road
traffic crash per 100,000 population. However,
there was an increase to 12 fatalities per
100,000 population in the year 2021.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Based on the results of the Road Transport and
Safety statistics for 2020, the following
recommendations have been made;
1. There is need for an injury surveillance
systems that generate reliable data on
road traffic crashes and injuries. Indicators,
especially for non-fatal outcomes as it
may also help making comparisons with
international standards.
2. There is need to train more specialists
in road traffic injury prevention both the
paramedical personnel in health facilities
and lay person living along major highways
who apparently happen to arrive at the
road traffic crash first after a road
traffic crash, in order to address the
46
growing problem of handling road traffic
victims which in most cases have
culminated into further injuries or loss of
lives;
3. There is need to decentralise the education
function to provincial level, so that we
have officers specifically dedicated for
education activities in the provinces.
Enforcement and education activities
complement each other. Road safety
measures are effective if road users are
first educated, then followed by an
enforce the law, currently the provinces
have enforcement officers, but the
education function is missing which cre-
ates a gap in the road safety intervention;
4. The Agency should consider procuring one
more tow truck to carter for the Northern
circuit, from KapiriMposhi to Nakonde,
this road stretch is characterised by heavy
trucks to and from East Africa which usually
break down along the way or sometimes
are involved in road traffic crashes and
need to be towed away to safety;
5. The Agency should consider procuring
Jaws of life and empower the fire brigade
section in Local Authorities along major
highways for extracting trapped of road
traffic crash victims from a wreckage;
6. More attention should be paid to the needs
of the vulnerable road users (pedestrians,
pedal cyclists and motorcyclists) who
account for the majority of the road traffic
fatalities in Zambia. New road designs
should incorporate road safety features
to carter for vulnerable road users who
include; pedestrians, pedal cyclists and
the differently abled in the society;
 7. There is need to expedite the process of
enacting the law on point demerit system,
this measure is targeted at motorists
violating traffic regulations. The point
demeritwill be deducting points from drivers
committing traffic violations and eventually
lead into revocation or suspension of driver’s
license. This will be an effective measure
to regulate driver behaviour.

2021 ANNUAL ROAD TRAFFIC CRASH STATISTICS

2,163
ROAD TRAFFIC

D E AT H S
were recorded in the

year 2021
23.9%
of all fatalities in the year
2021 were recorded in

28%
compared to the year
LUSAKA PROVINCE

2020
Fatalities by Urban Roads Vs Rural Roads
(Inter Districts)
10%
of persons killed were

CHILDREN

66% of fatalities
were among

V ULNERABLE
ROAD USERS
Classification of Casulties 2020 & 2021 49%

12%

5%

47
 2021 ROAD TRANSPORT & SAFETY STATUS
Road Traffic Crashes & Fatalities

28 32
20 21

,37
,48

20
20

+14%
10%

2 road trafc cr
4 road trafc cr

3.3 3.7
Per Hour
of the fatalities were
children under the age of
Per Hour
+28% as
he +28% as
he 16 years
s s

2020 2021 3 out of

road deaths among
4
1,690 killed 2,163 killed children are males
+28%
5 6
per day
per day

FATALITIES BY MODE OF TRANSPORT

CRASHES INVOLVING DRIVING UNDER 34%

INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL/DRUGS 738 from motor vehicles
(Drivers & Passengers)

5%
112 from motor Cycles
(Drivers & Passengers)

12%
261 from pedal cycles
(Pedal cyclists & Passengers)

49%
1,052 Pedestrians

AskRTSA 0965 429499 twitter@rtsa2006

48
 2021 ROAD TRANSPORT & SAFETY STATUS
Road Traffic Crashes

32,372
TRENDS IN ROAD TRAFFIC CRASHES
+14%
Crashes 2020/2021

14,489 +15%
Injuries
2020/2021

2,163 +28%
Fatalities 2020/2021

FATALITIES BY MODE OF TRANSPORT

URBAN AND INTER DISTRICT ROADS CRASHES
34%
738 from motor vehicles
(Drivers & Passengers)

5%
112 from motor Cycles
(Drivers & Passengers)
ROADS TRAFFIC CRASHES BY PROVINCE

12%
261 from pedal cycles
(Pedal cyclists & Passengers)

49%
1,052 Pedestrians

RoadRoad
Transport &Safety
Transport & Safety Agency
Agency
HeadRoad
Head Office: office: Premium
Safety House,
House, Dedan P.O.Road
Kimathi BoxP.O.
32167, Lusaka
Box 32167 Lusaka
Tel:Tel:
+260+260-211-228797 Fax:
(211) 225 909 226 908 Fax:+260-211-231601
+260 (211) 231 601
: askrtsa twitter@rtsa2006 www.rtsa.org.zm
askrtsa@rtsa.org.zm Toll Free 983 0965 429499
Hotline: 0955 983983 +260 211 228798