Luanda: More than 3,000 people died in car accidents across Angola in 2024, as reported by the National Director of Road and Traffic Planning. Commissioner Abel Baptista revealed at the 1st workshop on Prevention and Road Safety that the country witnessed 12,303 cases of road accidents leading to 3,120 deaths.
According to Angola Press News Agency, Commissioner Baptista noted that the situation remains concerning despite a reduction of only one death compared to the previous year, 2023. The same period saw 16,282 injuries, with 4,222 run-overs, 2,491 collisions between vehicles and motorbikes, and 1,000 rollovers contributing to the toll.
Commissioner Baptista stated that while there is a noticeable reduction in accidents, deaths, and injuries, public safety remains a priority. He highlighted Luanda as the leader in accident statistics due to its status as a metropolitan city. Following Luanda, the provinces of Benguela, Huambo, and Hula also reported significant incidents, attributed to their large populations and busy roads.
The Secretary of State for National Defence, Jos© Maria de Lima, emphasized the collective responsibility in reducing road accidents. He mentioned that the Ministry of Defence is actively holding lectures and workshops to address this issue. De Lima stressed the importance of applying the knowledge gained from these events to improve road safety for both military personnel and civilians.
The Secretary of State highlighted the need for continuous discussion on road safety to raise awareness and encourage participation in mitigating accidents. He expressed optimism that with the concerted effort of citizens, Angola's roads can be made safer, potentially leading to a significant reduction in future road accidents.
The workshop, held at the Support Unit of the General Staff of the Angolan Armed Forces, operated under the motto 'Safe Driving, Protected Lives' and focused on the theme 'Road Accidents, A Battle We Won Together.'