Online Reporter
Nyore Madzianike
A NATIONWIDE road safety campaign ahead of the Easter and Independence Day holidays will be launched by the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ) tomorrow to reduce road traffic accidents during the busy travel period.
The campaign, which will be launched in Glendale, Mashonaland Central province, will focus on both education and enforcement of traffic regulations.
Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona is expected to officiate at the event.
TSCZ corporate communications officer Mrs Lucy Kuwandira said the campaign will target 40 strategic points across the country, as part of the council’s vision for accident-free travel on the roads during the holidays.
“We are launching the Easter and Independence road safety awareness campaign on April 14, where we will be focusing on education and enforcement,” she said.
“The Minister of Transport (and Infrastructural Development) will be our guest of honour.
“During the launch, we will be conducting roadside checks to assess whether motorists and their vehicles comply with traffic regulations.
“Offenders will be dealt with accordingly, and we will also be engaging with the public at the 40 campaign points to raise awareness on road safety.”
She said pedestrians, who are also vulnerable road users, will be part of the awareness drive.
“Pedestrians often interact with traffic, and it’s important that they observe road rules, especially at crossing points, to ensure their safety,” she said.
Statistics from last year show that 27 people were killed and 159 injured in 286 road traffic accidents recorded over the Easter holiday.
On Independence Day alone, nine fatalities and 25 injuries were reported from 100 recorded accidents.
Meanwhile, police in Midlands province, which will host the main Independence Day celebrations, have stepped up preparations for the upcoming commemorations, which will coincide with the Easter holidays.
Midlands police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko said police officers have been deployed across the province to ensure peace and safety during the festivities.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police urges all adult citizens to carry out their holiday activities responsibly and avoid drunk driving, violence and gender-based violence as lives are usually lost over avoidable situations,” he said in a statement.
“We wish to send a stern warning to would-be lawbreakers across Midlands province that we will be firm on ground patrolling and arresting criminals.
“Road carnage and lawlessness is mostly attributed to consumption of intoxicating substances such as alcohol and drugs . . .”
