Kakata, Margibi County —At least 16 persons have lost their lives in road traffic accidents in Margibi County during the first five months of 2026, according to statistics released by the Traffic Management Section of the Liberia National Police (LNP).
By Yawah Y. Jaivey
The report indicates a troubling increase in both fatalities and injuries resulting from road crashes in the county.
The report pointed out that between January and May 2026, a total of 47 road accidents were recorded, resulting in 16 deaths and 33 injuries.
According to the LNP Traffic Management Section, 75 vehicles were involved in the reported crashes across Margibi County, with 12 of those vehicles sustaining significant damage.
Speaking over the weekend at a one-day stakeholders’ road safety engagement in Kakata, the head of the LNP Traffic Management Section, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Alphonso D. Binda, described the accidents as increasingly deadly and injurious, reflecting a growing severity of road crashes across the country.
ACP Binda disclosed that Margibi, Montserrado, and Nimba Counties are the three counties recording the highest number of daily road traffic crashes nationwide, based on reports compiled by traffic police officers.
He noted that hundreds of people have lost their lives in major road accidents across these three counties during the first five months of 2026.
“The alarming frequency and severity of road accidents in these counties continue to claim more lives and cause serious injuries,” ACP Binda said.
According to him, the types of vehicles most commonly involved in fatal crashes include commercial vehicles, particularly taxicabs, articulated trucks, trailers and motorcycles.
He explained that many of the incidents have revealed a recurring pattern in which speeding trucks, often carrying loads beyond their capacity, collide with motorcycles and other commercial vehicles.
“Excessive speed has been a major factor in many of the crashes, with vehicles losing control because of high velocity,” ACP Binda stated.
He attributed the high number of accidents to reckless driving and widespread violations of traffic regulations.
Continuing, he added, “In addition to speed-related violations, mechanical failures such as brake malfunctions have significantly contributed to the fatalities. Overloading also remains a critical problem, with many vehicles carrying both passengers and goods, thereby increasing the risk of losing control.”
ACP Binda revealed that the LNP Traffic Management Section has repeatedly warned drivers against engaging in dangerous driving practices that endanger passengers and other road users.
He emphasized the need for motorists and pedestrians alike to comply with traffic regulations to help reduce the growing occurrence of road accidents across the country.
Meanwhile, the LNP Traffic Chief said due to the rise in road accidents in Margibi, Montserrado and Nimba Counties, the police have launched a three-county road safety stakeholders’ engagement initiative aimed at increasing public awareness and strengthening compliance with traffic laws.
He explained that the awareness campaign seeks to educate and reorient drivers, motorcyclists, pedestrians, and commercial transport operators on traffic regulations and their shared responsibility in ensuring road safety.
ACP Binda also urged residents to recommit themselves to road discipline by obeying traffic laws, exercising caution, and prioritizing safety at all times.
He stated that stakeholders are being encouraged to provide suggestions on the leading causes of road accidents and practical measures to address them.
The LNP official called for collective action and cooperation from citizens to help create a safer road environment throughout the country.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Africa records the highest road traffic fatality rates in the world.
The WHO estimates that more than 1.3 million people die annually as a result of road traffic accidents worldwide, with more than half of those deaths involving vulnerable road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists.
