The Zimbabwe Republic Police has observed a reduction in accidents during this year’s Independence celebrations, as a result of the continuous efforts by stakeholders in the transport sector to curb road accidents and ensure safer road usage.
National Police Spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Themba Nyati, confirmed in a statement that accidents during this year’s Uhuru celebrations dropped from 133 last year to 100, demonstrating progress in road safety efforts.
While the number of accidents declined during this year’s Uhuru celebrations, fatalities increased, with 6 fatal crashes claiming 9 lives, up from 4 fatalities in 4 crashes in 2023.
A tragic accident at the 166km peg along Harare – Bulawayo road on Independence Day led to the demise of renowned Dental Surgeon Dr Laden Hamadziripi Dube and 2 others.
The collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, its departments such as the Vehicle Inspectorate Department (VID) and the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ), as well as the Zimbabwe Republic Police, are credited with significantly reducing road accidents during this year’s Independence celebrations in Zimbabwe.
These key stakeholders in the transport sector have shown commendable improvement in awareness campaigns and enforcement, which has been vital in promoting road safety.
In a statement, Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Hon Felix Tapiwa Mhona, expressed satisfaction with the decline in road accidents during this year’s Independence celebrations.
“The reduction of road traffic accidents on our roads is a welcome development which we cherish and celebrate as a Ministry.
“We regret the sad loss of 9 lives during the same period and still continue to advise our road users to be cautious on the road.
“Our Ministry as mandated and guided by the visionary leader Cde Dr E. D Mnangagwa is working towards not only revamping and rehabilitating all our roads across the country but also to improve driver training as well as amplify our road safety awareness programmes with the aim of reducing road traffic accidents,” said Hon Minister Mhona.
The Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe, in partnership with the Zimbabwe Republic Police, has significantly ramped up awareness campaigns on major highways across the country to further road safety and reduce accidents.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police has revealed that human error, including reckless driving, fatigue, and distracted driving, is the primary cause of most road traffic accidents, underlining the importance of safe and responsible driving practices.
“A comprehensive analysis by the Police has revealed that most of the accidents are attributed to human error, which include speeding, inattention, misjudgment, overtaking error and failure to observe road rules and regulations by drivers,”said the Police.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police has implored all drivers and pedestrians to practice caution and adhere to traffic regulations while on the road, emphasizing that even a moment’s inattention can have grave consequences.
“Motorists and stakeholders are urged to have a total change of mindset when it comes to road safety during holidays.
“Above all, motorists should be responsible on the roads and lead by example when it comes to road safety,” added the Police.
