Online Reporter
Arron Nyamayaro
MORE than 2 000 pedestrians were killed or injured in hit-and-run road traffic accidents between January and March this year, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has said.
Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said 2 081 pedestrians, including school children, were either killed or injured by motorists who sped away from accident scenes and failed to report the incidents.
Comm Nyathi said the figures are concerning because they show an increase compared to the same period last year, when 1 905 cases were recorded.
“It is a requirement, in terms of the Road Traffic Act, that motorists who are involved in road traffic accidents stop, render assistance to the injured and, where a person has died, follow due process. Motorists must also report to the police,” he said.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police has noted with concern the increase in cases where pedestrians are either killed or injured and motorists fail to stop or report the accidents.”
He reiterated the ZRP’s call for all drivers to be safety-conscious and law-abiding citizens.
“It is disheartening to note that there are motorists who decide to run away from accident scenes,” Comm Nyathi added.
Most victims of hit-and-run incidents include school children, pedestrians crossing roads, especially at zebra crossings, traffic-controlled areas and those walking along pavements.
“We also continue to urge pedestrians to consider crossing roads at traffic lights if they are in the CBD and when it is safe to do so.”
He further appealed to both pedestrians and motorists to avoid listening to music through headphones or talking while moving near roads, adding that this contributes to some accidents.
Police are looking forward to the installation of the electronic traffic management system, which will assist in identifying and accounting for errant drivers.
Recently, Officer Commanding Harare Province, Commissioner Maxwell Chikunguru, said that all impounded vehicles with dents must be accounted for by the driver.
He also challenged the City of Harare to consider repairing and installing streetlights in dark areas to reduce night-time risks for pedestrians.
In their report after last month’s Easter holidays, police said that of the 30 people killed in road traffic accidents during that period this year, 19 were pedestrians.
Tinaye Agere