At least 12 farm workers in the Kurdistan Region's Akre district suffered injuries in a single-vehicle accident on Saturday. The workers were returning from a potato field in the Bardarash sub-district, where they had been harvesting produce. Fortunately, no fatalities have been reported, and those injured are reported to be in stable conditions.

Accident Details: The incident involved a 24-passenger bus that veered off the road while trying to avoid colliding with another vehicle near the site. The accident occurred during the return trip from the potato field, causing injuries to the farm workers on board.

Road Safety Concerns in Duhok Province: This is the third major accident in Duhok province this month, raising concerns about road safety in the region. Earlier in the month, a car crash resulted in at least 30 casualties, including fatalities. Additionally, four people lost their lives in another accident in the same area during the same period.

Causes of Fatal Accidents: Mobile phone usage and excessive speeding are cited as two leading causes of fatal accidents in the region. Non-adherence to driving safety measures, such as not wearing seatbelts, also contributes significantly to the severity of accidents. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, wearing seatbelts can reduce death rates by 45% and the risk of serious injury by 50%.

Efforts to Enhance Road Safety Measures: In response to the growing concern over road safety, Kurdistan Region traffic authorities have initiated the installation of point-to-point speed cameras along the provinces' main roads. These measures aim to monitor and regulate speeding, promoting safer driving practices and reducing the likelihood of accidents.

As authorities continue their efforts to improve road safety, it is crucial for drivers and passengers to adhere to driving safety guidelines, including the use of seatbelts and responsible mobile phone usage, to prevent further tragedies on the roads of Kurdistan Region.