Easter holiday death toll rises to 42

Police say 42 people have died this Easter holiday in 351 road accidents recorded countrywide.

This Easter holiday recorded 42 deaths compared 23 people who died in 206 accidents during the same period last year.

National Traffic Police Spokesperson, Superintended Paul Nyathi said Manicaland and Midlands Provinces recorded the highest number of fatalities.

He attributed the loss of lives to human error, defective vehicles and speeding.

Superintendent Nyathi also blamed negligent motorists who were trying to evade roadblocks at night for causing deaths.

He said urged motorists to observe the rules of the road to reduce the loss of lives and the number of accidents.

While there is consensus that negative attitudes result in road accidents, the condition of most imported cars has been questioned especially tyres which are originally designed for different climatic conditions such as Japan which is generally cold.

Zimbabwe has had many horrific accidents especially during the holidays.

The disturbing trend has prompted the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe to incorporate all stakeholders who include the police, members of the public and vehicle drivers, on an aggressive campaign to ensure an accident free 2013 Easter.