adminArron Nyamayaro
TWO bus drivers, convicted of driving against oncoming traffic, have been sentenced to 18 months in prison while their licences have been cancelled.
It’s a HUGE moment, in the battle to tame the traffic jungle, especially in Harare, which is now characterised by dangerous and reckless driving.
It also sets a precedent, in terms of the law, for law enforcing officers to arrest and punish those who have seemingly perfected the art of defying the road rules.
Acting Officer Commanding Operations in Harare province, Assistant Commissioner Tawonei Nyazema, disclosed this yesterday at the Zimbabwe Passenger Transport Organisation (ZTPO) meeting.
The meeting was held to help find ways of reducing road traffic accidents.
“It is no secret, ladies and gentlemen, that Christmas and New Year holidays are now upon us and, as usual, there will be heavy flows of vehicular and human traffic in and around Harare,” said Ass-Comm Nyazema.
“Your role as public transporters in moving travellers and holidaymakers can never be mistaken.
“You are the wheels of the nation.
“Statistics from our previous year’s festive season accidents in Harare are a cause for concern, as 45 percent of the accidents involved public transport.
“We have also seen that, of all the fatalities and injuries recorded, most of them were from public transport accidents.
“The behaviour of some bus drivers leaves a lot to be desired.
“Imagine one would drive, against one way (restrictions), with a 75-seater bus laden with passengers?”
He said measures were being taken to arrest this waywardness.
“Fortunately, we are doing our best in reigning in this vice.
“Three bus drivers, who were doing this, have since been arrested in Mbare, arraigned before the courts where they were all convicted.
“Interestingly, two were sentenced to 18 months in prison and had their drivers’ licences cancelled.”
He said human life was more valuable than profit-making as a life lost can never be replaced.
“Given that human error accounts for the majority of our road carnage, it is high time each driver decidedly practices self-restraint and responsible driving.
“Need I say that every public transport driver has a moral duty to preserve the lives of passengers in his care?
“Resist the temptation to drink and drive.
“Drive at safe speeds, which are reasonable enough to allow you to react well, to unforeseen road obstructions.
“In fact, it is prohibited for public transport drivers to drive at any speed above 80km per hour, whether on dust or tarred roads.
“Speed thrills, but kills,” said Ass-Comm Nyazema.
Online Reporter