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REPORTS of a surge in road traffic accidents this festive season compared to last year make for disturbing reading.
So far 81 people have been killed in road accidents countrywide compared to 75 during the same period last year making it one of the bloodiest Christmas holidays ever.
Police have cited speeding, overtaking errors and misjudgment on the part of drivers and failure to give way especially when approaching intersections as the major causes of the accidents.
There is a worrying trend of an increase in young, unlicensed and reckless drivers who are also using the country’s roads.
These figures signify an increase of eight percent in deaths in the comparable periods.
Police spokesperson Chief Superintendent Paul Nyathi said the 81 people died in 1,012 traffic accidents recorded as of Saturday countrywide.
This is an increase from the 822 accidents that were recorded the same period last year, signifying a 23 percent increase.
So far 589 people have been injured in the accidents compared to 430 that were injured last year, while 2,289 vehicles have been impounded for defects and being unroadworthy.
Police have also issued 96,634 tickets for various traffic offences.
Chief Supt Nyathi urged motorists to continue exercising caution on the roads and his message should be taken seriously.
The increase in road accidents is symptomatic of a culture of recklessness during this period of merry-making and we call on motorists to heed the wise counsel of the police.
The state of the country’s roads and the incessant rains currently pounding most regions of Zimbabwe make it difficult for road users hence caution is advised particularly for those motorists travelling at night.
We urge police to maintain a heavy presence on the highways and deal with errant drivers and have no mercy on defective and unroadworthy vehicles.
As we approach the end of 2014, Zimbabweans will join the rest of the world in welcoming 2015 in two days’ time.
New Year celebrations are usually raucous affairs with excitement reaching fever pitch at the stroke of midnight on Wednesday and it is during these festivities that a lot of damage is done.
There will be fireworks displays, parties, music shows and some motorists may decide to showcase their skills in impromptu drag races and spinning competitions thus the police may find themselves with their hands full.
We implore people not to test the patience of law enforcement agencies by partying responsibly and desisting from anti-social behaviour.
This is particularly so for injiva who usually behave like a law unto themselves and fail to respect the country’s traffic regulations.
Usually, Bulawayo police cordon off sections of the city centre to maintain order and we feel this has gone a long way in curtailing violence and destruction of property.
There is also an increase in robberies and break-ins during the festive season as thieves take advantage of relaxed and celebratory mood by many people to commit crime.
We urge homeowners to remain vigilant and secure their homes when they leave or put in place measures to have neighbours watch over their properties while they are away.
It has been an eventful year for Zimbabweans who have persevered and soldiered on under very difficult circumstances. The New Year presents them with new opportunities and challenges which they should tackle head on.
But the biggest challenge is navigating the treacherous waters of making it out of the festive season in one piece. It is okay to celebrate and be merry because it is the season to be jolly but that should not be done at the expense of human life.
So let’s drive to arrive alive and party responsibly.
Online Reporter