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Zimbabwe gears up for festive season road safety campaign
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As the festive season nears, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development has announced enhanced measures to curb road traffic accidents, addressing public concerns about the surge in road fatalities during this period.
Speaking in response to a question by parliamentarian Sipho Mlotshwa, Transport Minister Felix Mhona highlighted the alarming statistics of road accidents in recent years. In 2023, Zimbabwe recorded 1,082 accidents and 154 fatalities, while 2022 saw 2,154 accidents and 143 deaths.
Minister Mhona emphasized that human error remains a leading cause of accidents and stressed the need for increased road safety awareness and education.
"As a nation, we cannot continue losing precious lives on our roads. In a number of cases, such accidents are attributed to human error," said Mhona. "We have been raising awareness through the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe, educating motorists, the motoring public, and even citizens to uphold the sanctity of life whenever we are on our roads, whether as pedestrians, cyclists, or motorists."
The Minister noted that some accidents are caused by reckless behaviors, such as driving under the influence of drugs and substances, particularly among drivers of public service vehicles.
To address these issues, the Ministry will launch the Festive Season Road Safety Campaign, running from December 15, 2024, to January 15, 2025. The initiative will include roadshows and educational activities spearheaded by the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe to promote safe road use.
"According to a recent survey, we are losing an average of five lives per day to road accidents. This is a disturbing number," said Mhona. "As a Ministry, you will see us launching the festive season campaign and working tirelessly to educate and conscientize road users to safeguard lives."
The campaign will focus on driver education, enforcement of traffic laws, and heightened awareness for all road users. Authorities have urged the public to cooperate with safety initiatives and prioritize responsible road behavior during the holiday season.
Speaking in response to a question by parliamentarian Sipho Mlotshwa, Transport Minister Felix Mhona highlighted the alarming statistics of road accidents in recent years. In 2023, Zimbabwe recorded 1,082 accidents and 154 fatalities, while 2022 saw 2,154 accidents and 143 deaths.
Minister Mhona emphasized that human error remains a leading cause of accidents and stressed the need for increased road safety awareness and education.
"As a nation, we cannot continue losing precious lives on our roads. In a number of cases, such accidents are attributed to human error," said Mhona. "We have been raising awareness through the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe, educating motorists, the motoring public, and even citizens to uphold the sanctity of life whenever we are on our roads, whether as pedestrians, cyclists, or motorists."
To address these issues, the Ministry will launch the Festive Season Road Safety Campaign, running from December 15, 2024, to January 15, 2025. The initiative will include roadshows and educational activities spearheaded by the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe to promote safe road use.
"According to a recent survey, we are losing an average of five lives per day to road accidents. This is a disturbing number," said Mhona. "As a Ministry, you will see us launching the festive season campaign and working tirelessly to educate and conscientize road users to safeguard lives."
The campaign will focus on driver education, enforcement of traffic laws, and heightened awareness for all road users. Authorities have urged the public to cooperate with safety initiatives and prioritize responsible road behavior during the holiday season.
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