TSCZ urges journalists to dig deeper into road safety

HARARE - Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ) managing director Munesu Munodawafa has challenged journalists to move beyond reporting road accident statistics and produce investigative stories that examine the causes of crashes, promote accountability and contribute to improved road safety.

Speaking at a road safety workshop for journalists in Harare on Friday, Munodawafa said the media plays a critical role in raising public awareness, influencing policy decisions and encouraging responsible behaviour among road users.

"The media plays a pivotal role in our country, so as journalists you should do in-depth stories on road safety," he said.

Munodawafa urged journalists to go beyond reporting the number of fatalities and injuries resulting from road accidents and focus on uncovering the underlying factors contributing to the country's road safety challenges.

He said comprehensive reporting should explore issues such as the condition of road infrastructure, vehicle roadworthiness, driver behaviour, enforcement of traffic laws and the effectiveness of road safety policies.

According to Munodawafa, journalists should use their platforms to question whether relevant authorities are doing enough to prevent accidents and improve safety for motorists, passengers, cyclists and pedestrians.

He also called for reporting that promotes accountability, supports evidence-based policymaking and highlights practical solutions aimed at reducing road traffic injuries and fatalities.

Munodawafa urged journalists to investigate why accidents occur, whether existing regulations are being enforced and what interventions could help prevent future tragedies.

He said road safety reporting should strive to contribute to long-term improvements rather than simply documenting accidents after they happen.

The workshop comes amid continuing concerns over road safety in Zimbabwe, where road traffic crashes continue to claim lives and affect livelihoods.

Beyond the immediate loss of life, accidents often leave families without breadwinners, increase financial burdens on households and place additional pressure on healthcare services.

Survivors may also face long-term disabilities, rehabilitation costs and loss of income.

Munodawafa said effective road safety reporting requires journalists to connect individual accidents to broader issues involving public policy, infrastructure development, law enforcement and the responsibilities of transport operators and road users.

Road safety experts have consistently highlighted the need for stronger driver training programmes, improved road infrastructure and stricter enforcement of traffic regulations.

The media, he added, can play an important watchdog role by following up on promised road improvements, investigating allegations of corruption in traffic enforcement and assessing whether safety campaigns translate into measurable reductions in crashes.

Munodawafa said reducing road carnage requires a preventive approach involving government departments, local authorities, police, transport operators and road users.

He noted that Zimbabwe's road safety ambitions will depend on sustained public education, safer road designs, regular vehicle inspections, effective law enforcement and improved emergency response systems.

Ultimately, he said, success should be measured not by the number of workshops held but by a reduction in deaths and serious injuries on the country's roads.