RASC News Agency: local Taliban authorities In Badakhshan, have reported a troubling surge in traffic incidents, resulting in numerous fatalities. Mawlawi Gul Ahmad Shaker, the director of the Taliban’s traffic department in the province, addressed the media on December 2nd, revealing that over the past six months, a total of 116 traffic incidents have been documented. These incidents have claimed the lives of 75 individuals, with an additional 197 people sustaining varying degrees of injuries due to these accidents. Mr. Shaker attributed the causes of these incidents to drivers’ negligence and the poor condition of the roads in the province.
Media outlets have been flooded with reports of traffic incidents not only in Badakhshan but also in other provinces throughout the country, resulting in additional casualties and underscoring the severity of the situation. Recently, a Prado-type car veered off the road at the border between Karan Monjan and Parian Panjshir districts, leading to one fatality and three injuries. All the victims were residents of Faizabad city, the center of Badakhshan province. It is crucial to note that traffic incidents have been on the rise across Afghanistan due to various factors, including road damage, speeding, non-compliance with traffic regulations, a lack of driving skills, and inadequate traffic signage on certain roads.
The alarming statistics provided by the director of the Taliban’s traffic department in Badakhshan shed light on the dire situation regarding traffic incidents in the province. The high number of fatalities and injuries serves as a stark reminder of the pressing need for improved road safety measures. Addressing the issue of driver negligence and ensuring the maintenance and repair of roads are crucial steps in reducing the occurrence of such incidents. Furthermore, raising awareness about traffic rules and providing proper driving education can contribute to preventing accidents. Efforts should also be made to enhance the visibility of traffic signs and signals on all roads to promote safer driving practices.