The Sunday Mail
Tendai Chara and Livingstone Marufu
Within a period of one month – from April to March 2016 – two horrific accidents occurred, one in Kwekwe and the other one in Harare, claiming the lives of 42 people, with 81 others getting seriously injured.
Since the beginning of the year, more than six major road accidents have been recorded on the country’s major highways. A total of 93 people lost their lives whilst 188 others were injured.
Basing on the frequency of road accidents that were declared national disasters since the beginning of the year, one might be tempted to conclude that the combined efforts by stakeholders in the transport sector to try and reduce road carnage are not bringing in the desired results.
Despite awareness campaigns by both the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ), the Passenger Association of Zimbabwe and the Insurance Council of Zimbabwe among others, road accidents are not decreasing, especially on the country’s highways. Not to mention the ever-present police on the country’s highways.
But where are we getting it wrong as a nation?
Mr Obio Chinyere, the TSCZ managing director, attributed the majority of road traffic accidents to human error.
“More than 90 percent of all road traffic accidents are due to human error which includes misjudgement, overtaking, inattention, distraction, speeding, drinking and driving, negligence by drivers, pedestrians or cyclists and fatigue,” Mr Chinyere said.
The TSCZ regularly warns road users to religiously observe traffic rules in a bid to stop road carnage.
Mr Chinyere is optimistic that road traffic accidents can be reduced.
“We encourage drivers to register for defensive driving, which helps reduce human error. We also encourage Zimbabweans to report those that drive dangerously,” Mr Chinyere said.
He said reducing road traffic accidents should be a collective effort.
“It is not only motorists’ duty to exercise caution but everyone’s duty to observe road safety rules and regulations to avoid road carnage. Motorists should avoid over-speeding and driving when they are under the influence of alcohol,” added Mr Chinyere.
Driving at night and driving without checking the condition of vehicles before embarking on any journey are some of the major causes of road accidents.
He urged passengers to exercise their rights and report dangerous drivers.
“We advise passengers to know their rights and if necessary to tell the driver that he is over-speeding. Reckless drivers must be reported to traffic police at road blocks. Drivers must also take time to prepare for journeys,” Mr Chinyere said.
According to Mr Chinyere, some drivers are overworked and not getting enough time to sleep and rest.
Mr Tafadzwa Goliati, the Passenger Association of Zimbabwe president, said road users are ignoring basic traffic rules, resulting in accidents.
“We always engage road users so that they observe road rules but it seems our efforts are falling on deaf ears,” Mr Goliati said.
Mr Goliati advocated for the banning of commuter omnibuses, saying conventional buses are much safer.
“From the engagements that we have had so far with commuter omnibuses, we found out that the majority of the drivers have a disregard for following traffic safety rules. We will, however, continue to engage them,” Goliati said.
Mr Goliati, however, said the lack of resources is hampering their efforts.
“We visit road accident scenes and even visit road accident victims in hospitals. Our efforts are, however, being hampered by the lack of resources,” Mr Goliati said.
Mr Goliati encouraged the public to use public vehicles with fitness certificates and passenger liability cover.
According to Mr Goliati, PAZ has engaged the Minister of Transport, Communication and Infrastructural Development on the issue of spearheading the introduction of conventional buses.
“We are leaving no stone unturned,” Mr Goliati.
According to PAZ, 68 percent of the commuter omnibuses that are plying the roads have no passenger liability cover.
Government is planning to introduce a Road Accident Fund aimed at assisting victims of road carnage.
This has seen third party insurance cover for small vehicles being increased from $30 to $36 per term.
