Online Reporter
Lovemore Kadzura
Post Reporter
POLICE in Manicaland are geared up for the upcoming Easter and Independence holidays – warning drivers and passengers to be alert and travel cautiously to minimise road accidents and loss of life.
In a statement, Officer Commanding ZRP Manicaland Province, Commissioner Charles Nhete implored passengers, not to be passive, but to play a leading role, and avoid being led into accidents and other dangerous situations by drivers of both public and private vehicles.
“Road safety is the talking point of the moment as we approach the Easter holidays. It is the police’s desire to stimulate an interest in drivers to always remember that driving is a conscious occupation that calls for application of one’s full attention at all times. Therefore, there is a need to examine our behaviour and attitudes in our various capacities as users of the road. We would like to appeal to people who are carried in vehicles, the passengers, to take an active role and voice their concerns whenever they witness bad driving conduct by drivers on the roads. Experiences have indicated that passengers are sometimes either active or passive contributors to many things that go wrong on our roads.
“Passengers should refrain from inciting drivers to exhibit driving conduct that puts their lives and those of other people in danger. These acts include speeding, taking conscious risks like crossing flooded rivers, driving against red traffic lights, overtaking at blind spots and driving under harsh weather conditions where vision is highly blurred,” he said.
Commissioner Nhete urged passengers to examine vehicles before boarding them, as some may be unroadworthy with defects that can cause accidents, and to avoid being loaded into crammed buses and commuter omnibuses as they risk their lives.
“We have seen in the past how passengers have paid the price of silence. Rarely do people bother to examine the vehicle they are boarding and the crew that drives them. Let us begin by questioning the logic behind squeezing into a bus/kombi that has not only exceeded its carrying capacity, but has people crammed at the doorstep. We should remember that the urge to follow suit, like goats crossing a road, often grips many people. Some buses are driven around by touts or conductors at the time of loading until the time it is fully loaded, when it is then handed over to the driver. While this may be an issue for the police, it is never wrong to caution against the habit, provided we all come together and express our concern as one,” he said.
Commissioner Nhete said there is a disturbing observation of people being lured into vehicles that are apparently not in a roadworthy state.
“These include worn-out tyres, missing headlamps and surging roofs, among many other significant signs. It is my appeal that we should learn to police ourselves where the police are not readily available,” he said, further reminding drivers to always abide by the road rules and not to be tempted to use cellphones whilst driving, as this causes a lapse in concentration, and to avoid travelling at high speeds.
“Drivers are reminded not to drive when under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Always reduce speed and observe road signs. Do not overtake if there is no clear vision of the road ahead of you. Do not travel at high speed if you do not have knowledge of the road that you are travelling on. Avoid answering, calling or WhatsApp texting when driving. If necessary, pull off the road and finish calling first before you continue driving. Pull off the road every time you intend to halt your vehicle.
“Cyclists should wear protective helmets at all times and wear reflective clothes at night. Cyclists should always ride on the left lane of the road and avoid unnecessary crossing of lanes. Pedestrians should walk on the right side of the road facing oncoming vehicles. Dip your lights when travelling behind other vehicles or when you meet vehicles from the opposite direction. Do not be a willing partner to your demise. Let us all come together to bring about an Easter holiday with a difference,” said Commissioner Nhete.
