adminA MARKED reduction in the number of deaths recorded during the just-ended Easter holidays brought some refreshing news.
It’s a step in the right direction considering that the annual four-day holiday had turned into a bloody festival over the years.
Travelling had become risky, during this time of the year, which was known for significant loss of lives.
Statistics released by police show that 30 people were killed in 288 accidents during the Easter holidays this year.
This was a refreshing statistic when compared to 73 lives lost in 32 fatal accidents, out of the 264 recorded, last year.
To those campaigning against road carnage, these figures show that their efforts are bearing fruit.
It took a lot of cooperation, and goodwill among stakeholders, to make all this possible.
While a single death on the road is tragic, at least, motorists are showing signs of due care and caution behind the wheels.
Over the years, a number of accidents would occur as a result of human error and poor judgment.
Police chiefs, in partnership with the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe, should be applauded for their campaigns, which are saving lives.
We should salute them when they achieve something remarkable like this.
However, the war is not over as we still have the Independence Day holiday celebrations around the corner.
These celebrations are marked with festivities around the country as people remember their departed and living heroes.
This year’s main celebrations will take place in Mt Darwin, Mashonaland Central, where tens of thousands of people are expected.
We urge drivers to exercise the same caution on the road as was the case during the Easter holidays.
The Workers Day commemorations are also coming on May 1.
Safe and responsible driving should run in our motorists’ DNA to avoid loss of life.
Motorists must learn to take full responsibility for passengers on board.
We need to reach a point where we should always trust our drivers.
Passengers using public transport should also report rogue drivers to the police in cases of speeding and dangerous driving.
Drunk and negligent driving on the roads should be avoided at all costs.
The police should increase roadblocks and flush out rogue drivers who are putting the lives of passengers at risk.
As has become the norm the world over, the police should use breathalysers to flush out motorists driving under the influence of alcohol.
Drunk driving, which has fuelled most of these accidents, should attract hefty fines or custodial sentences.
Failure to adhere to basic traffic rules has led to loss of life, which should be avoided at all costs.
Transporters should always educate their drivers on the importance of observing traffic rules.
We should never rest on our laurels and let complacency creep in.
In fact, the police and various stakeholders should intensify operations meant to curb road accidents.
Road accidents can easily be minimised with the cooperation of various stakeholders.
Online Reporter