Online Reporter
Herald Reporter
THE number of road traffic accidents more than doubled during the 2025 festive season, with 100 people losing their lives between December 15 and 26, compared to 77 deaths recorded during the same period last year, police have confirmed,
In a statement, national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said a total of 2 412 road traffic accidents were recorded during the period, up from 1 211 in 2024.
Fatal accidents increased from 65 last year to 87 this year, while the number of people injured rose to 471 from 401.
An analysis of the fatalities shows that pedestrians and passengers accounted for the highest number of deaths.
Of the 100 people killed, 44 were passengers and 37 were pedestrians, while 10 were drivers, four were riders, three were cyclists and two were travelling in scotch carts.
“The most serious fatal road accident recorded during the period occurred on December 17 at the 185km peg along the Harare-Nyamapanda Road, near the Suswe area,” said Comm Nyathi.
“A Honda Fit travelling from Mutoko to Kotwa carrying 10 occupants, was involved in a head-on collision with a haulage truck travelling towards Harare.
“The collision resulted in the death of 10 occupants in the Honda Fit.”
He said a preliminary review of accidents recorded on major highways points to recurring and preventable causes, largely linked to driver behaviour and vehicle-related factors.
Most of the fatal crashes involved head-on collisions caused by vehicles encroaching into oncoming lanes or engaging in dangerous overtaking manoeuvres, reflecting disregard for traffic regulations and road markings.
“Excessive speeding was also identified as the major contributing factor in the reported accidents, frequently resulting in loss of vehicle control,” he added.
“Several incidents involved vehicles veering off the road, overturning, or colliding with trees or fixed objects, particularly during early morning and night-time hours.
“These crashes suggest that drivers were travelling at speeds beyond their ability to safely control their vehicles, a risk often worsened by fatigue or inattention.”
Police also identified tyre bursts as a significant cause of fatal accidents, especially those involving public service vehicles such as Toyota Hiace kombis.
In many cases, tyre failure led to vehicles overturning, resulting in multiple deaths and serious injuries.
The trend was attributed to poor vehicle maintenance, use of worn-out or substandard tyres, overloading and failure to conduct routine vehicle inspections.
Overloading was cited as another major risk factor, as it compromises vehicle stability, places excessive strain on tyres and reduces the driver’s ability to control the vehicle, particularly at high speeds.
Comm Nyathi expressed concern over the high number of pedestrian fatalities and urged pedestrians to exercise caution and observe road rules.
“The number of pedestrians killed during the period is disturbing,” he said.
“It is also sad to note that some pedestrians were struck by vehicles while walking on the road with cellphones plugged on earphones and listening to music.
“Pedestrians are reminded to avoid jaywalking and always use designated crossing points such as pedestrian crossings and traffic-controlled intersections.”
Despite the surge in accidents, police said no major road traffic accident involving public service vehicles was recorded during the period.
