Local News

Bike crashes claim 251 in 3 months

TRAFFIC Police Commander, Mr Mohammed Mpinga (right) during press conference to launch training programme for motorcycle and Bajaji riders organized by the Automobile Association of Tanzania (AAT) in Dar es Salaam. He is flanked by the Association’s president, Mr Nizar Jivani (on his right) and the Director of Cruiser Motors Tanzania Ltd, Mr Sabbir Jariwalla. (Photo by Fadhili Akida)

MOTORCYCLES road accidents have claimed 251 lives throughout the country, in the past three months, Traffic Police Commander Mr Mohammed Mpinga has said.

Mr Mpinga made the revelation in Dar es Salaam while launching a training programme for riders of motorcycles (Boda Boda) and tricycles (Bajaji). He said a total of 1386 accidents occurred in April, May and June and left 251 people dead and 1 289 injured. Mr Mpinga said the accidents are attributed to the influx of motorcycles among other things.

“Since the government allowed the use of motorcycles and three wheelers-accidents have increased leading to deaths, injuries and even other crimes such as thefts,” he said.

According to him, a total of 330,882 motorcycles have been registered since 2009 to 2011 when the government allowed the use of the motorcycles for public transportation. He said the increase of motorcycles is 60 per cent compared to the number of vehicles that were registered in the same period. He said that in 2011 the registration of motorcycles increased by 51 per cent.

On the other hand, Mr Mpinga said that the registration of three wheeled motorcycles increased to 3,259 in 2009 from 2,124 in 2011. “The statistics show how big the problem of road accidents is-and for that matter measures are required to help contain the problem,” he noted.

The Traffic Commander also hailed the organizers of the training saying that it will complement government’s efforts in curbing road accidents. The training organized by the Automobile Association of Tanzania (AAT) is scheduled to kick off next month and a total of 1000 motorcycle and Bajaji riders will benefit.

According to the AAT President, Mr Nizar Jivan, the training to be conducted in Kinondoni, Ilala and Temeke will go in line with issuance of stickers to Bajaji and Boda Boda riders.