Chronicle Editor
Pedestrians account for 40 percent of all the road traffic deaths on the African continent (WHO, 2018) – the highest share of pedestrian fatalities in the world.
The cause is very often a lack of infrastructure for pedestrians (no sidewalks, no zebra crossing thus forcing pedestrians to “jay walk”, no street lighting), exacerbated by indiscipline on the part of pedestrians and motorists alike.
To address this state of affairs the #ISEEYOU project sponsored by the FIA (Federation Internationale de l’Automobile) project and conducted by the Automobile Association of Zimbabwe (AAZ) in conjunction with the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ) has three pillars: Distribution of visibility sashes (the item was identified as the most accepted, affordable, and used reflective garment by the campaign originators, Automobile Association of South Africa).
A nation-wide advertising/promotional campaign in parallel to raise awareness about the risks faced by pedestrians.
Build the case further and make the project sustainable in future years.
Our target audience comprises of school children, pedestrians & commuters, taxi/bus/ car drivers.
It is hoped that the target market will; Commit to practice road safety i.e. to wear a sash in dark or overcast weather conditions.
Walk on side facing oncoming traffic – not to have your back facing oncoming traffic. Pedestrians to avoid jay-walking.
Look out for the younger generation on the roads, while commuting etc. Drivers to care for all pedestrians when driving, especially in areas where there is no provision for a cyclist path, pedestrian crossing, robot or non-robot controlled intersections and zebra crossings.
The Automobile Association of Zimbabwe and Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe care for the safety of both pedestrians and drivers.
Online Reporter