The Rwanda National Police has reported that alcohol consumption among motorcyclists is a major contributor to road accidents, with 30% of riders involved in crashes found to be intoxicated.
The announcement was made by ACP Boniface Rutikanga, spokesperson for the Rwanda National Police, during a press briefing following the launch of the road safety campaign “Turindane Tugereyo Amahoro” (“Let’s Protect Each Other for Peace”).
Jean Bosco Ntibitura, Governor of the Western Province, stated that in the past three months, road accidents in the province claimed 26 lives and left over 400 people injured. He said these accidents were caused by speeding, using phones while driving, and riding under the influence of alcohol.
ACP Rutikanga noted that police apprehend 15 to 20 motorcyclists riding while intoxicated each week, stressing the importance of combining education with enforcement. “Even with weekly, monthly, and annual penalties, some people do not change their behavior. That is why education must go hand in hand with enforcement,” he said.
According to Rwanda National Police statistics for 2024, the country recorded 22,000 road accidents resulting in 1,047 deaths. Of these victims, 34% were pedestrians, 27% were motorcyclists, and 23% were bicyclists. In most serious recent motorcycle accidents, three out of ten riders had been drinking. Alcohol-related incidents are less frequent among drivers of larger vehicles such as buses and trucks.
Comparatively, Rwanda’s traffic accident rate is lower than the regional average, with 6.6 accidents per 100,000 vehicles, while neighboring countries report around 20 accidents per 100,000 vehicles.
The Rwanda National Police reminded all road users that safety is a shared responsibility. Observing traffic laws, road signs, and regulations is essential, as having the right of way does not guarantee complete safety.
