(MENAFN) On Sunday, a series of devastating car accidents north of Baghdad resulted in the loss of 5 lives and injuries to 6 others, as reported by a police source. One incident claimed the lives of four individuals when their vehicle overturned on the main thoroughfare between Baghdad and Kirkuk. Major Alaa al-Saadi of the local police attributed the cause to negligent driving practices and excessive speed.

In a separate collision south of Kirkuk, another tragic incident unfolded where a soldier lost his life and six individuals, including three soldiers, sustained injuries in a two-car collision. The severity of these accidents highlights the ongoing challenges faced in maintaining road safety in Iraq.

Abdul-Zahara al-Hindawi, spokesperson for the Ministry of Planning, recently released concerning statistics from a ministry report detailing the extent of traffic accidents in 2023. The report documented a staggering 11,552 accidents over the course of the year, resulting in the tragic loss of 3,019 lives. The primary contributors to these accidents were identified as violations of traffic regulations and the deteriorating conditions of road infrastructure.

These incidents underscore the urgent need for comprehensive measures to improve road safety across Iraq. Efforts should focus on stricter enforcement of traffic laws, enhancing infrastructure maintenance, and increasing public awareness about safe driving practices. Addressing these issues is crucial to reducing the frequency and severity of accidents and ensuring the safety of all road users in the region.

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