Online Reporter
Arron Nyamayaro
THE Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe has procured more than 150 breathalysers, which will first be used during the Heroes and Defence Forces Holidays, and will become a permanent feature on the country’s highways.
The TSCZ is also exploring using artificial intelligence to detect unsafe driver behaviour and predict accidents.
It will also use drones to monitor traffic movement and send real time data for appropriate interventions.
This was revealed at a Seke Road Safety Campaign in Harare yesterday where the Officer Commanding Harare Province, Commissioner Maxwell Chikunguru, said the combination of drinking and driving was destroying a lot of lives on the country’s roads.
“If you are under the influence, stay off the road. Don’t drink and drive. It’s not just illegal, it’s deadly.One careless decision can destroy many lives. Let’s choose life. Let’s choose responsibility.”
He led stakeholders who included the Vehicle Inspection Department (VID), Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ), City of Harare, Zimbabwe Public Transport Organisation (ZPTO), Passengers Association and the Harare Youth Transport Association.
Comm Chikunguru said the mission was to appeal to the conscience of the motoring public and reignite a culture of responsibility and reason on the roads.
He urged passengers to make use of police hotline numbers to report corrupt officers, conductors and over-speeding drivers.
“Seke Road, particularly the stretch between the SPCA and Chikwanha roundabout, has tragically become a death trap,” said Comm Chikunguru.
“We are witnessing a disturbing rise in road traffic accidents, many of them avoidable. The recent accident at Manyame Bridge claimed 17 innocent lives and left many others injured.
“It involved a commuter omnibus and a haulage truck – both vital modes of transport that turned deadly due to negligence. From our investigations and observations, one of the key contributing factors to these accidents is excessive speed.
“Motorists are travelling at dangerously high speeds, with little regard for traffic regulations or human life. Let me be clear -speed may thrill, but it kills.”
He added:
“Always travel at speeds that allow you to remain in full control of your vehicle and respond safely to unexpected situations.
“We are particularly concerned by the number of commuter omnibuses involved in these accidents.
“Public transport operators must be held to a higher standard of care.
“Reckless driving, overloading, and disregard for traffic laws will not be tolerated. To all drivers of public service vehicles, you are carrying precious lives-respect them,” he said.
Comm Chikunguru said the increasing number of unroadworthy vehicles on the country’s roads was worrying.
“This is unacceptable.
“Let us ensure that our vehicles are roadworthy, that they have functioning brakes, good tyres, proper lighting, and no defects. A single fault can cost many lives. We are also alarmed by the number of pedestrians and cyclists being struck by vehicles. This raises serious questions about the attentiveness and care shown by drivers.
“Roads are shared spaces-for motorists, pedestrians, cyclists, and other users.
“We are calling for stiffer penalties for drivers who fail to observe this basic principle of road courtesy and safety.
“Those who show disregard for life do not deserve to hold a driver’s licence.”
TSCZ official, Isiah Mbanje, said the Council has procured more than 150 breathalysers for use during the Heroes and Defense Forces Holidays.
“Those found to be intoxicated will face the full wrath of the law,” said Mbanje. Going forward, TSCZ is exploring ways of incorporating technology in order to reduce crashes.
Many passengers pleaded with police to avail toll free numbers in every public transport to help them report offences in real time.
