admin
Speaking at the launch of Easter holidays road traffic safety campaigns last Friday at the Harare City Sports Centre Transport, Communications and Infrastructural Development Minister Nicholas Goche said the country is recording a total of five deaths per day as a result of road carnage and this figure rises during the holidays.
“It is these disturbing statistics that make us more resolute in seeking more effective and sustainable solutions and partners to end the menace of road carnage in our country,” he said.
Minister Goche was overwhelmed by the unity among various stakeholders who are working with the Government against road carnage.
“The composition of this meeting shows unity of purpose,and the realisation that road safety is not only the concern of the Traffic Safety Council, the ZRP and my ministry but indeed every Zimbabwean responsibility,” he said.
He expressed concern over the rise in the number of deaths due to road carnage especially during the festive season and during weekends.
“Statistics also reveal that Friday nights, Saturdays, and festive seasons are the worst times. A case in point is the just ended festive season during which over 250 deaths were recorded from 15 December 2012 to 15 January 15 2013.
Cde Goche warned all motorists against speeding and over-loading their motor vehicles since they are some of the causes of road accidents.
He said many accidents were caused by fatigue as drivers slept while driving during the night.
“People must try to avoid travelling during the night because a lot of people are dying as a result of fatigue while driving,” said Minister Goche.
“I therefore urge motorists to travel during the day to avoid this dilemma. In Zimbababwe there are 19 deaths per every 10 000 registered vehicles. There is a traffic collision every 15 minutes, an average of 45 people are injured per day and an average of five people are killed per day.”
Speaking at the same occasion Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe Board chairperson Mr Nelson Mawema called upon all members of the corporate world to continue to work closely with the TSCZ in the fight against road carnage.
“The statistics of road accidents and fatalities in this country speak for themselves and they demand that we work together,” he said.
Online Reporter