Spike in fatal road accidents along Magi Highway raises alarm

Fatal motor vehicle accidents along the Magi Highway in Central Province are rising at an alarming rate, with authorities attributing the spike to speeding and drink driving on newly constructed roads.

Over the past six months, at least five deaths have been confirmed in separate incidents, all linked to reckless driving behavior. The most recent tragedy occurred earlier this week when an Isuzu PMV truck from Rigo and PMV Route 300 bus collided head-on, resulting in three fatalities.

Speaking to NBC News, Central Provincial Police Commander Joseph Salle blamed the ongoing accidents on sheer negligence by motorists. He pointed that many drivers fail to adhere to basic road safety practices, particularly on the upgraded highway sections that tempt high-speed driving.

Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police Benjamin Turi, Commander for NCD and Central Province, confirmed in a statement that more than 50 road accidents have been reported across both regions this year. While some were minor, several involved serious injuries and fatalities.

Commander Salle also raised concerns about the improper issuance of driver’s licenses, citing it as one of the root causes of reckless behavior on the roads. He stressed the need for accredited driving schools to thoroughly educate learners on road rules, lane discipline, and vehicle maintenance.

He further called on the Road Traffic Authority and traffic police to adopt a unified and standardized approach to curb the rise in road accidents. Regular road checks and strict enforcement, he believes, could play a key role in reducing fatalities.