News / Local
Zimbabwe police warn against drunk driving
29 Dec 2024 at 08:55hrs | Views
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has issued a stern warning to drivers to refrain from drinking and driving during the festive season, a period typically associated with a spike in road traffic accidents. The police are also urging travelers to report instances of reckless driving and overloading, as part of an intensified safety campaign.
The festive season is known for its high road accident rates, largely due to factors such as over-speeding, driver fatigue, drunk driving, and overloading. According to the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe, an average of five people lose their lives on the country's roads every day, with a road traffic accident occurring every 15 minutes.
Speaking to the media after a safety campaign at Mbare, Harare's largest bus terminus, Commissioner Maxwell Chikunguru, Officer Commanding Harare Province, stressed the importance of vigilance on the roads during this time.
"Bus drivers must practice safe driving and avoid overspeeding and drinking on the road, as these are the leading causes of accidents," Chikunguru said. He also urged passengers to play an active role in promoting road safety.
"We are also urging passengers to report reckless drivers. We have deployed police officers at roadblocks, tollgates, and various points to monitor and ensure safe travel during this festive season. Passengers have the right to report drivers who commit any of these offences to the police. This will help prevent accidents and ensure safety for everyone," he added.
The ZRP's increased presence on the roads is aimed at curbing the rise in accidents typically seen during the holiday period. Police officers will be stationed at strategic locations across the country to monitor traffic and enforce road safety regulations.
The call for vigilance comes at a critical time as the country braces for a busy holiday season, with many people traveling to celebrate the holidays. The police's proactive measures are expected to help reduce the number of accidents and fatalities on Zimbabwe's roads during this peak period.
The festive season is known for its high road accident rates, largely due to factors such as over-speeding, driver fatigue, drunk driving, and overloading. According to the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe, an average of five people lose their lives on the country's roads every day, with a road traffic accident occurring every 15 minutes.
Speaking to the media after a safety campaign at Mbare, Harare's largest bus terminus, Commissioner Maxwell Chikunguru, Officer Commanding Harare Province, stressed the importance of vigilance on the roads during this time.
"We are also urging passengers to report reckless drivers. We have deployed police officers at roadblocks, tollgates, and various points to monitor and ensure safe travel during this festive season. Passengers have the right to report drivers who commit any of these offences to the police. This will help prevent accidents and ensure safety for everyone," he added.
The ZRP's increased presence on the roads is aimed at curbing the rise in accidents typically seen during the holiday period. Police officers will be stationed at strategic locations across the country to monitor traffic and enforce road safety regulations.
The call for vigilance comes at a critical time as the country braces for a busy holiday season, with many people traveling to celebrate the holidays. The police's proactive measures are expected to help reduce the number of accidents and fatalities on Zimbabwe's roads during this peak period.
Source - NewZimbabwe
