789 killed on roads since January: TSCZ

carnage on the roads especially during holidays.
TSCZ acting director, Mr Clifford Gobo, said this in an interview during a traffic safety awareness campaign at Mbare Musika recently.

“We recorded a total of 13 979 accidents and 514 were fatal in which 789 people died, while 6 274 others were seriously injured,” Mr Gobo said.
He attributed the accidents to speeding, tyre bursts and overloading. In 2011 at least 1 998 people died in 31 620 accidents recorded and the injured were about 15 440.

Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe Passenger Transport Organisation, a group of public transport owners, has expressed committment to help reduce road fatalities.
The ZPTO chairman, Mr Ramuel Machube, said they would work with the Zimbabwe Republic Police Traffic Section in a bid to save lives on Zimbabwe’s roads.
“This partnership between us and the traffic police is aimed at fighting against road carnage especially during holidays.
“The organisation seeks to campaign for the prevention of road traffic deaths and injuries, which has taken the lives of hundreds of people,” he said.

Munhenzwa Bus Company owner, Mr Regis Munhenzwa, who is also the ZPTO vice chairman, said owners of buses would ensure that their drivers did not overload, speed or drive recklessly.
“As the owners, we have control over our drivers, we have to clearly spell it out to them that lives are more important than chasing the dollar. We want them to follow the stipulated road regulations as well as carry the required number of passengers,” he said.

Officer Commanding Traffic Senior Assistant Commissioner Martin Chari, said the pledge by the operators to educate their bus crews to adhere to road regulations and shun corruption was commendable.

Snr Asst Comm Chari said traffic police would also be highly visible during the holidays.
Mimosa Mining Company, Buy Zimbabwe and the TSC also rolled out some campaigns at Mbare Musika.

The 2012 contestants of the My Own Boss reality show were also part of the awareness campaign and were issuing flyers to educate motorists and the public on road safety.