Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu [email protected]
EDUCATING community leaders has been identified as a key strategy in promoting road safety and reducing deaths, injuries and property damage caused by road traffic accidents in Zimbabwe.
The Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ) on Thursday conducted a road safety champions training programme targeting community leaders in Matabeleland South.
Participants included heads of Government departments, teachers, school administrators, youth educators, faith leaders, transport operators and members of civil society organisations.
The training focused on passenger safety, pedestrian safety, cyclist safety, traffic legislation, road safety fundamentals, road user responsibilities, advocacy, community engagement and practical solutions for safer roads.
TSCZ Matabeleland South regional manager, Mr Blessing Sai said empowering influential members of society was critical in advancing road safety awareness at community level.
He said the overall goal was to minimise deaths, injuries and destruction of property caused by road traffic accidents.
“As the Traffic Safety Council, we are mandated to promote road safety within our communities and the entire nation. This is an initiative to empower community leaders so that they can use their influence and knowledge they have gained here to advance road safety in their communities,” said Mr Sai.
“We want to engage as many stakeholders as possible to become road safety champions. This will help build safer roads and stronger communities. From the response we got from the attendees, they are prepared to influence behaviour change in their communities.”
The Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe is established under the Traffic Safety Act [Chapter 13:17]. It is mandated to promote, regulate and coordinate road safety programmes in the country through public awareness campaigns, education and stakeholder collaboration.
Mr Sai said the training formed part of the council’s community outreach initiatives and was conducted in partnership with stakeholders such as the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), Vehicle Inspection Department (VID) and local authorities.
Participants described the training as informative and necessary, saying communities need to take greater responsibility for road safety.
Mr Regies Moyo said the programme had highlighted that road safety was not only the responsibility of drivers but also of passengers and pedestrians.
“This session was an eye-opener because most of the time we overlook some issues as passengers. It’s our right to report public service transporters who overload their vehicles as this is a danger to us as passengers,” he said.
“The vehicles should also be roadworthy and must also have relevant documentation such as insurance and a certificate of fitness.”
Mr Moyo said passengers also contributed to unsafe practices by boarding overloaded vehicles, especially during funerals, church gatherings and other social events.
“Sometimes as passengers we are also to blame. We board trucks in large numbers when we go to church gatherings, funerals or other events. In cases of accidents the effects become severe as a result of overloading. We are quick to rush for cheap transportation but in the process we will be putting our lives at risk,” he said.
He said participants would cascade the knowledge gained to their respective communities.
Another participant, Mr Lloyd Ndou, said the training had also emphasised the role of pedestrians in preventing accidents.
He said pedestrians needed to pay attention to road signs, use proper crossing points and walk on the correct side of the road.
“Each road user, be it motorists, cyclists or pedestrians, has a role to play in ensuring road safety,” he said.
Ms Prejudice Nyathi said parents and guardians should also prioritise the safety of children who use transport to and from school.
“Daily, children are overpacked in vehicles when they are going to or coming from school. This happens under the watchful eye of parents and guardians. This should come to an end, and parents have to take the lead to safeguard the lives of their children,” she said.
The training comes at a time when Zimbabwe continues to record fatal road accidents, prompting renewed calls for stronger road safety awareness and enforcement measures across the country. —@DubeMatutu
