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Talent Gore
TRAFFIC cops, who leave faulty vehicles, vehicles without proper documentation and drivers driving under the influence of alcohol, will be held accountable should those vehicles be involved in accidents after passing security checkpoints.
The owners of public transport vehicles, without proper documentation, and whose drivers could be at fault for the accident, will also be held accountable. Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona says they are working on a new policy aimed at curbing escalating carnage on the roads.
Speaking in Senate, Minister Mhona declared that any faulty vehicle involved in an accident, after passing through a manned roadblock, would result in officers manning the roadblock being held accountable.
The past few months have seen a disturbing increase in road traffic accidents across the country, leading to numerous fatalities and injuries. This surge has been attributed to various factors, including reckless driving, unroad worthy vehicles and inadequate enforcement of traffic regulations.
Minister Mhona said the new policy sought to ensure greater accountability and diligence among traffic enforcement officers.
“It is quite saddening that over 26 precious lives were lost in June alone, with over 56 people injured. We are taking serious measures in terms of mitigating actions as a ministry, but this calls for a holistic approach. Where we have witnessed recklessness, where we did not preserve the sanctity of life on our roads, where others are driving under the influence of alcohol, and through the enforcement agents, we have said if a vehicle passes through a manned checkpoint and is involved in an accident, the officials are accountable. Not only that, even the operators of those buses, so we are not only charging the drivers,” Min Mhona said
The minister pointed out that in all reported accidents, the vehicles did not have certificates of fitness, indicating they were unfit for the road.
“So we cannot continue to watch. We cannot continue to allow such anarchy and lawlessness on our roads. We are tabling a very deterrent Statutory Instrument (SI) to address such malpractices. We are witnessing 2,000 lives lost per annum in this small country of Zimbabwe. We cannot continue to have such an alarming number. I want to assure the august House that we will not rest on our laurels as a Ministry, but will continue to appeal to this august House for deterrent measures.”
According to the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe, from January to May 2024, the country has had a total of 21,183 road crashes, resulting in 860 fatalities and injuring 4,350 people. In January, there were 3,915 total crashes, 138 fatalities, and 797 injuries, in February, there were 3,913 crashes, 104 fatalities, and 713 injuries.
March recorded 4,431 crashes, with 211 deaths and 940 injuries, April saw 4,219 crashes, 203 fatalities, and 990 injuries and in May, there were 4,705 crashes, resulting in 204 deaths and 910 injuries.-Harare Bureau.
Online Reporter