The Committee attributes the persistent fatalities largely to reckless driver behaviour, particularly speeding, distracted driving and drunk driving.
Data from the Rwanda National Police for the 2024â€"2025 period shows a continued rise in traffic violations. More than 409,148 motorists were caught speeding, while 94,843 drivers were apprehended for distracted driving. The report further indicates that 9,169 drivers were arrested for drunk driving, 6,525 for driving uninsured vehicles, and an equal number for driving without a licence.
Traffic offences were also widespread among motorcyclists and cyclists, with 19,746 motorcyclists and 55,291 cyclists penalised for various infractions.
Accident statistics continue to trend upward. Rwanda registered 8,660 accidents in 2022, resulting in 676 deaths. The following year recorded 9,995 accidents and 761 fatalities. In 2024, the number of accidents rose to 12,189, claiming 751 lives. By October 2025, 10,320 accidents had already been reported, killing 719 people.
Presenting the findings, Committee Chairperson Senator Murangwa Ndangiza Hadidja said the continued rise in accidents highlights gaps in driver behaviour. She expressed hope that the proposed new traffic law, built around a points-based driver conduct system, could deliver long-term improvements.
'The Committee finds that the draft traffic law will play a significant role in curbing behaviours that lead to accidents, as drivers will either gain or lose points based on how they conduct themselves on the road,' she said.
Under the draft Ministerial Order currently being finalised by the Ministry of Infrastructure, drivers will start with 15 points. Points will be deducted when offences occur. For example, a driver who causes an accident and flees would lose six points, while interfering with a speed governor would result in a five-point deduction.
Driving under the influence would cost four points, and offences such as driving without a licence, speeding, or running a red light would each attract a three-point deduction. Driving an uninsured vehicle or using a mobile phone while driving would result in losing two points.
The Senate Committee also identified road sections needing engineering interventions to reduce accident risks. Thirty-one locations are expected to be fixed by September 2028, while the remaining 47 will be addressed progressively as funds allow.
Senator Murangwa noted that some improvements require minimal investment, such as installing warning signs, deploying speed cameras, and adding rumble strips ahead of dangerous bends, measures shown to help reduce speeding.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/over-2-900-people-killed-in-rwanda-road-accidents-over-four-years
