Online Reporter
Amos Mpofu [email protected]
THE officer commanding Bulawayo province Commissioner Jasper Chizemo, has urged motorists to exercise caution and adhere to road traffic regulations to reduce accidents during the upcoming Heroes Day and Defence Forces Day holidays.
Speaking during a road safety awareness campaign held along Harare Road in Bulawayo yesterday, Commissioner Chizemo said road safety is a shared responsibility between drivers, passengers, pedestrians and law enforcement agencies.
He urged motorists to avoid speeding, obey speed limits, refrain from drinking and driving, avoid using mobile phones while driving, remain alert and considerate of other road users, ensure their vehicles are roadworthy before travelling, and avoid overloading.
“The reason why we’re out here is to protect lives by encouraging responsible driving in and out of Bulawayo. As we approach the Heroes and Defence Forces holidays, there will be increased movement of people into and out of the city,” he said. “During such periods, some motorists tend to speed, drive under the influence of alcohol, or become distracted by using headphones while driving.
“As a result, they fail to observe the rules and regulations governing safe driving. People are often excited during the holidays, so we found it necessary to engage motorists entering and leaving the city and remind them to drive responsibly and safely, knowing that speed thrills, but it kills,” he said.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) conducted the campaign in partnership with several stakeholders, including the Bulawayo United Passenger Transporters Association (BUPTA), the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe, the Bulawayo City Council.
“These organisations are strategic partners in promoting safety on our roads. We also recognise the important role played by transport associations such as BUPTA in promoting passenger safety.
We, therefore, urge motorists not to drink and drive, and if you are tired, please stop and rest before continuing with your journey,” said Comm Chizemo.
He also appealed to passengers to avoid boarding unregistered private vehicles, commonly known as mushikashika, avoid overloaded buses, and report speeding, reckless or suspected drunken drivers at police roadblocks.
To pedestrians, he advised walking on the correct side of the road, avoiding the use of earphones and headphones while walking near traffic, staying away from roads when intoxicated, using designated pedestrian crossings, assisting children to cross safely, and obeying traffic lights.
“We are saying don’t board unregistered motor vehicles operating as passenger vehicles. Many times we have realised that people who use these vehicles end up being robbed or exposed to other dangers. We, therefore, urge passengers to use registered public service vehicles,” said Comm Chizemo.
“To private motorists who are not licensed to carry passengers, do not operate as public transport operators.”
He said Government had recently strengthened police traffic enforcement by acquiring additional speed traps, breathalysers, motorcycles for highway patrols, surveillance cameras and drones to monitor traffic and enforce road safety regulations.
“Road safety is my responsibility, your responsibility and the responsibility of all of us. Safety starts with us.
“On behalf of the Zimbabwe Republic Police Bulawayo Province, I want to assure members of the public of our unwavering commitment to maintaining law and order during these holidays. Let me also warn would-be criminals that police officers will be deployed in full force and will not tolerate any form of lawlessness,” he said.
As part of the campaign, police demonstrated how the newly acquired speed detection equipment operates and conducted breathalyser tests on motorists passing through the awareness campaign site. One local taxi driver, who was transporting passengers to Mahatshula, voluntarily underwent a breathalyser test and recorded a zero-alcohol reading, setting a positive example of responsible driving.
The BUPTA driver, who declined to be named, welcomed the campaign, saying safe driving protects not only passengers but also drivers and other road users.
Bulawayo City Council chief fire officer, Mr Mhlangano Moyo, also called for greater cooperation among stakeholders to reduce road traffic accidents.
“We work closely with the police to promote safety on our roads. We encourage responsible driving and collective action to ensure that everyone remains safe whenever they travel,” he said.
