Proposed Road Accident Fund: A safety game-changer

Dr Clifford Gobo

Zimbabwe is on the brink of one of its most significant public safety reforms in decades.

The proposed Road Accident Fund (RAF) — now under Cabinet consideration — has sparked national debate, but beyond the technical language and legislative processes lies a simple truth: this fund could save thousands of lives.

For years, Zimbabwe has grappled with a road safety crisis that shows no signs of slowing. More than 35 000 crashes occur annually, claiming over 1 800 lives and injuring tens of thousands more.

According to the 2022 UN Road Safety Performance Review, a crash happens every 15 minutes, and at least five people die every day on the country’s roads. These are not just statistics, they represent families shattered, breadwinners lost, and communities left grieving.

Against this backdrop, the RAF emerges not merely as a financing tool, but as a public health intervention capable of transforming Zimbabwe’s emergency response ecosystem.

A system under strain

Zimbabwe’s current post crash management system is fragmented, underfunded, and often unable to respond effectively during emergencies. The Cabinet Memorandum on the RAF principles highlights several long standing weaknesses:

• No guaranteed emergency evacuation system.
• Delays caused by fault based insurance processes.
• Emergency responders reluctant to attend scenes due to uncertain payment.
• Private hospitals hesitant to treat victims without upfront guarantees.
• Inadequate medical and funeral cover.
• Poor coordination among police, ambulance services, and hospitals.
• Outdated rescue equipment, including limited “Jaws of Life” capacity.
• Under resourced medical facilities lacking essential trauma equipment.

These gaps have contributed to tragic outcomes in several high profile crashes in 2025.

The Manyame River Bridge Disaster (July 2025)

Seventeen people died after a haulage truck collided with a commuter omnibus. Witnesses reported painfully slow emergency response, with victims trapped in wreckage for extended periods.

The Beitbridge Head On Collision (February 2025)

Twenty four lives were lost when an Urban Connect bus collided with a haulage truck. Again, delays in rescue and evacuation were cited as contributing factors.

The Limpopo Bus Tragedy (October 2025)

Forty two Zimbabwean and Malawian passengers perished in South Africa. Many victims remained trapped in the wreckage for long periods, raising questions about cross border emergency preparedness.

These incidents underscore a critical reality: Zimbabwe’s emergency response system is not equipped to meet the demands of modern road safety challenges.

Why the Golden Hour Matters

Medical experts refer to the first 60 minutes after a crash as the Golden Hour—the window during which rapid medical intervention dramatically increases survival chances. Research shows that victims treated within this period have survival rates of up to 80%, while delays often lead to irreversible damage or death.

Yet in Zimbabwe, the Golden Hour is frequently lost due to:

• Slow ambulance dispatch
• Lack of fuel or functional vehicles
• Payment disputes
• Delayed hospital admission
• Poor coordination among responders

The RAF directly targets these failures by guaranteeing immediate funding for evacuation and emergency care.

How the RAF Could Transform Public Road Safety

1. Faster, more reliable emergency response

Countries with dedicated post crash funds—such as Namibia, South Africa, and New Zealand—have demonstrated that guaranteed financing leads to:

• Faster ambulance deployment
• Better coordination among emergency agencies
• Improved survival rates

By removing financial uncertainty, the RAF would allow responders to act immediately, without waiting for insurers or families to confirm payment.

2. Universal access to post crash medical care

Zimbabwe’s current fault based insurance system often delays treatment as parties argue over liability. The RAF introduces a no fault model, ensuring that:

• Every victim receives care immediately
• Vulnerable groups—pedestrians, passengers, cyclists—are protected
• Hospitals can admit patients without demanding upfront payment

This approach aligns with global best practice and reduces administrative bottlenecks.

3. Reducing preventable deaths and disabilities

The RAF guarantees:

• On scene medical attention
• Rapid evacuation
• Hospital admission without financial barriers.

These interventions directly reduce mortality and long term disability, aligning Zimbabwe with WHO recommendations on post crash care.

4. Restoring public confidence in the transport system

A functional emergency response system enhances:

• Trust in public institutions.
• Perceptions of safety.
• Willingness to use public transport.

This supports broader national goals under SDG 11.2, which calls for safe, accessible, and sustainable transport systems.

5. Strengthening institutional coordination

The RAF will operate as a standalone public entity with its own Board and CEO. This structure promotes:

• Accountability
• Professionalisation
• Data driven decision-making,

Studies from South Africa show that governance and organisational culture are critical to fund performance.

6. Sustainable financing for road safety

The proposed funding model includes:

• 35% of third party insurance premiums
• Possible levies on vehicle imports
• “Sin taxes” on alcohol and cigarettes
• A share of traffic fines

This diversified revenue base mirrors global public health financing models and reduces pressure on the national budget.

7. Reducing pressure on public hospitals

By covering medical costs for crash victims, the RAF would:

• Reduce uncompensated care
• Free up hospital resources
• Enable investment in trauma infrastructure.

This is especially important in a health system already stretched by economic constraints.

Lessons from Other Countries

Zimbabwe is not starting from scratch. International experience offers valuable insights:

• Namibia’s Motor Vehicle Accident Fund significantly reduced road crash mortality by investing in ambulance fleets, trauma centres, and rehabilitation services.
• South Africa’s RAF improved access to emergency care, though sustainability challenges highlight the need for strong governance and actuarial discipline.
• New Zealand’s ACC system, one of the world’s most successful no fault models, demonstrates how such funds can reduce litigation, improve public health outcomes, and enhance social protection.

Zimbabwe’s RAF incorporates many of these lessons while introducing safeguards such as capped benefits and diversified funding.

What Must Be Done for the RAF to Succeed

Experts emphasize that the RAF’s success will depend on several strategic actions:

1. Build a National Emergency Response Network

The Fund must integrate police, fire services, ambulance providers, and hospitals into a unified command system to reduce response times.

2. Invest in Trauma Care Infrastructure

This includes:

• Modern ambulances
• Trauma centres
• Paramedic training
• Telemedicine for rural areas

3. Strengthen Data Systems

Accurate crash data enables:

• Evidence based planning
• Identification of high risk corridors
• Monitoring of RAF performance

 

Dr Cliford Gobo holds a Doctorate Degree in Business Administration (Finance). He is a Chartered Public Accountant, Chartered Governance Expert, Certified Road Safety Practitioner and an Academic. He has research interest in Transport Infrastructure Finance & Economics, Public Funds Management, Road Safety Finance, Governance, Organizational Spirituality and Strategy.