adminColumbus Mabika Herald Reporter
Stakeholders in the transport industry yesterday appealed to road users to exercise caution over the Christmas and New Year holidays to avoid unnecessary loss of life.
Speaking during a road safety awareness campaign in the streets of Harare, National Transport Drivers Association (NTDA) president Mrs Jotina Matanhire said it was disappointing that despite all warnings, road carnage was still high.
“I am urging every person in Zimbabwe who uses the road to make a commitment that they will do so safely and with care and consideration for the other people they meet along the way,” she said.
“Most drivers, especially of public vehicles, don’t seem to appreciate the dangers of reckless driving and speeding. Holding a phone or texting while driving distracts the driver’s attention from the road and can lead to fatal consequences.”
Mrs Matanhire called on the Zimbabwe Republic Police to mount additional check-points and roadblocks to clamp down on speeding, drinking and driving and use of mobile phones.
Mr Tendai Mujuru, an automobile speed governing devices expert with Systech Africa, said it was everyone’s responsibility to reduce accidents in Zimbabwe this festive season.
Mr Mujuru called on buses and other vehicles towing trailers to properly secure them as a precaution to avoid accidents.
Passenger Association of Zimbabwe (PAZ) president Mr Tafadzwa Goliath expressed concern over the bad attitude of some road users.
“To help avoid road accidents during this festive season, we advise road users and drivers to improve their attitudes first before thinking of embarking on journeys,” he said.
During the 2018 festive season, road traffic accidents shot up by 33 percent to 122 accidents compared to 89 in 2017.
Online Reporter