PNG has the highest number of accidents in the Pacific, and ranked 89th out of 172 countries worldwide, according to the World Health Organization statistics.
25,189 accidents were recorded between 1992 and 2002 in Papua New Guinea.
The National Road Safety Authority CEO, Nelson Terema, revealed this today during the launching of Puma Energy’s one week road safety campaign, held a few kilometres away from Port Moresby.
Terema said the 10-year statistics was for year ending 2002, and expects an increase in the last four years.
He added that motor vehicle injuries total 2,189, from 25,189 accidents recorded.
The road safety boss challenged drivers, passengers and pedestrians to take ownership of road safety rules to avoid becoming a statistic.
“Road safety is everyone’s business and we all need to take ownership,” Terema said.
“Long term measure is to introduce road safety into the education curriculum.
“A MoU has been signed with the Department of Education but funding has been constrained in implementing it.”
He thanked Puma Energy for their drive to spread the message of road safety.
Meanwhile, Minister for Transport Malakai Tabar said PNG is a signatory of eliminating road accidents by 2020.
“In 2009, then Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare signed Papua New Guinea into a convention of taking action to reduce road fatalities.
“Awareness can be made but people behind the wheels must take note,” Minister Tabar said.
He added that statistics show that with improved road networks in the country, the number of accidents will also increase.
(File picture of a freak road accident in Port Moresby on August 19, 2016)