Zimbabwe launches road safety campaign ahead of festive season

The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development has announced plans to launch a series of road safety campaigns and road shows in preparation for the upcoming festive season. Minister Felix Mhona made the announcement in Parliament recently, highlighting the increasing need to educate drivers and the general public on safe road usage during the holidays.

Mhona was responding to concerns raised by parliamentarian Sipho Mlotshwa about the surge in road accidents, particularly during the festive period. "As a ministry, you will see us launching the festive season campaign, which typically runs from December 15, 2024, to January 15, 2025. Before that, we will also be conducting road shows, in collaboration with the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe," Mhona said.

The minister emphasized that the campaign aims to educate both motorists and pedestrians on the importance of road safety. "We are losing an average of five precious lives per day due to road accidents, and this is a disturbing statistic," he added. According to Mhona, the ministry is committed to raising awareness about safe driving practices and the dangers of reckless driving, particularly during the busy holiday period.

In recent months, there has been a notable increase in incidents of drivers operating under the influence of alcohol and drugs, a problem the ministry intends to address. Mhona acknowledged that public service vehicle drivers, in particular, have been implicated in these incidents. "We have witnessed some drivers who are driving under the influence of drugs and substances, and the numbers are rising," he said.

The ministry, through the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe, has been actively promoting road safety in various parts of the country. Mhona stressed the importance of safeguarding the lives of all road users, especially during the high-traffic festive season.

Meanwhile, Paul Makiwa, the secretary-general of the Zimbabwe Passengers Association, reiterated the need for increased awareness about road safety. His organization is also conducting awareness campaigns aimed at reducing the number of accidents on the country's roads. "It's not just public service vehicle drivers who need to follow the rules of the road. All drivers should respect speed limits and adhere to road safety regulations," Makiwa said.

Makiwa also warned that exceeding speed limits can significantly increase the severity of accidents. "When drivers exceed the speed limit of 100 kilometers per hour, the damage in the event of an accident is far greater compared to those who are driving at a slower, safer speed," he noted.

He also advised drivers to remain vigilant and responsible, urging them to avoid drinking or using drugs when operating motor vehicles, particularly during the festive season when there is often an increase in long-distance travel and social gatherings.

The road safety campaigns are expected to be rolled out in the coming weeks, with road shows and awareness initiatives taking place across the country. The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development hopes these efforts will help reduce road accidents and ensure that Zimbabweans can enjoy a safer festive season on the roads.