The number of road traffic fatalities recorded over the just-ended festive season have gone up compared to the previous period. According to media release from Botswana Police Service, a total of 45 deaths were recorded from 33 accidents against 22 deaths recorded in the previous period from 19 fatal road accidents. Out of the 45 deaths recorded, the release says 14 involved drivers, 15 passengers and 15 pedestrians. It says the overall road safety situation depicts an increase in the total number of road traffic accidents recorded countrywide, from 440 in 2022/23 to 687 in the 2023/24 festive season. According to the release the number of people who sustained serious injuries increased from 56 in the previous period to 85, representing a 52 per cent hike whilst minor injuries rose from 46 to 116, thus a 152 per cent escalation. �The statistics indicate that the majority of the accidents were a result of human error.� The release says despite efforts by the police and other stakeholders to sensitise the public on road safety, some motorists continue to speed and drive under the influence of alcohol. It says during the just-ended festive period, 1 234 drivers were subjected to breath alcohol tests, out of which 523 tested positive compared to 982 during the previous period, resulting in 450 who surpassed the prescribed limit. Pertaining to crime, the release says a decrease was recorded in some major offences such as murder, rape, defilement and threat to kill. �A total of 20 murder cases were recorded during the period under review compared to 25 in the 2022/23 festive period.� According to the release, 87 rape cases were recorded against 142 of the previous year and 42 defilement cases recorded against 72 cases of the previous year. It says some of the murders were a results of misunderstanding between the victims and perpetrators. During the same period, the police also recorded a total of 24 armed robbery cases compared to 16 in the previous period.