The National Traffic Police (POLTRANS) registered 1664 traffic accidents in 2015 in which 89 people died.
National Police (PNTL) Commander Julio Hornai said the data was taken in 13 municipalities and showed that 417 people were seriously injured, while 1399 suffered minor injuries.
“It is currently becoming a security concern in our country,” said Hornai in Dili.
He said most accidents were as a result of human error and drivers ignoring traffic rules, with drink driving also a problem.
He said police plan to increase check point operations in the city and municipalities in an effort to reduce road incidents and fatalities.
Meanwhile, Member of Commission B (responsible for security, defense and foreign affairs) Member of Parliament MP Cesar Valente said the high road tool was concerning and said there was a need to raise more awareness of traffic regulations among drivers.
“Those who live in the municipalities, post administrative [areas] and suburbs don’t know yet about the traffic regulations,” he said.
“It is necessary to increase awareness programs and penalties for those who break the law.”
Resident Elvido Freitas said road accidents are increasing every year because drivers ignore the regulations.
“It is about people’s awareness but everyone does whatever they want [on the road],” he said.
