At least 441 people lost their lives in Arusha region in car accidents while another 120 died due to motorcycle accidents between January 2010 and August 2012.

This was revealed by the Arusha Regional Traffic Commander, Marison Mwakyoma at the launch of the road safety week in Arusha region. The ceremony was held at the Sheikh Amri Abeid Stadium on September 17. He said causes of accidents included over speeding, recklessness on the part of road users, poor maintenance of vehicles and poorly kept roads.

He said the traffic police will take action to curb road accidents by ensuring stern and legal measures are taken against all those causing accidents. He said the Arusha Municipal has turned a blind eye to petty traders who encroach roads thus occasioning road accidents by motor vehicles and bodabodas. He therefore urged the authority to take action in order to avoid accidents that claim lives as well as cause some victims to lose their limbs.

The guest of honour at the ceremony the Arusha District Commissioner, John Mongela said road accidents deprives the nation of its labour force. He therefore urged everybody to spread the information on the need to avoid accidents.