Decrease in holiday road traffic accidents

ZIMBABWE has recorded a decrease in festive season road traffic accidents which is a positive response to the measures being implemented by the police and the Government in ensuring road safety.

Some of the initiatives include enhanced police operations such as the “Tame the Traffic Jungle” meant to curb road menace and calamities.

According to the police, the country recorded 1 082 festive season road traffic accidents on New Year’s Eve compared to 2 154 during the same period last year. The festive season begins 21 December and ends on 5 January.

National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the sharp decrease had been recorded in road accidents during the festive season, especially on New Year’s Eve.

“This year during this season we recorded a lesser number of accidents compared to the previous year. Our statistics show that we are on the right trajectory in terms of reducing road accidents, with major accidents being on the highways.We attribute the reduction to measures implemented by the Second Republic as well as the police in curbing road accidents,” he said.

On the number of deaths, he said there was a slight rise.

“We recorded 154 deaths compared to 143 recorded last year and there was a very sharp in the number of those injured compared to last year,” said Asst Comm Nyathi.

“He said 675 people were injured in road accidents on New Year’s Eve compared to 408 last year.

The police have said they will continue to enforce traffic rules and regulations to reduce accidents.

“We will not rest until there is sanity on our roads where motorists drive safely and adhere to all traffi rules and regulations. To all that are in the habit of violating traffic regulations, the law will catch up with you soon,” said Asst Comm Nyathi.

More than 200 000 people have been arrested across the country since the launch of the traffic blitz dubbed “Tame the Traffic Jungle” last September and over 3 000 vehicles were impounded.