Eugénio Laborinho was speaking during a mass in honor of the victims of road accidents in Angola, within the scope of government actions of the National Strategy to Combat Road Accidents.
According to Eugénio Laborinho, "road accidents are a scourge that has been gaining alarming proportions throughout the country, considering the drastic consequences and the sequelae it leaves within families".
"Aware of this reality, we consider it opportune to join civil society, including the religious community, in the efforts we have been undertaking to face this evil, through awareness campaigns, lectures, prayers, useful advice and other concrete actions, counting on the participation everyone's active", said the minister.
The official noted that from January 2022 to June this year, the country recorded 20,581 accidents, which resulted in the death of 4,433 citizens and the injury of 24,044, highlighting the provinces of Luanda with 1712, Huíla with 614, Benguela with 549 and Huambo with 528 accidents.
Excessive speed was the main cause of accidents, followed by driving under the influence of alcohol, disrespecting traffic rules, crossing pedestrians in inappropriate places, lack of precaution, among other causes.
"Aiming to counteract this situation, the Government, within the scope of its commitment to reduce road accidents by 50 percent, as well as its consequences, fundamentally road deaths, approved on May 29, 2023, the National Plan for Prevention and Road Safety 2023-2027, which defines the main lines of public road safety policies", stressed the minister, calling for the collaboration of the church to sensitize the religious community and civil society in general.
