adminIn an interview on Friday, Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe managing director Mr Obio Chinyere confirmed that the new strategic policy was at an advanced stage.
“The ministry(Transport and Infrastructural Development) is in the process of drafting a national road safety policy and this policy is very crucial in terms of reduction of accidents,” Mr Chinyere said.
He said the TSC, Vehicle Inspection Department, the Zimbabwe Republic Police, Ministry of Health and Child Welfare and other stakeholders were all involved in discussions to formulate the national road safety policy.
According to Mr Chinyere the stakeholders were mainly focusing on the human element, which is, in 85 percent of cases, the main cause of accidents.
The stakeholders, he said, would also focus on raising awareness and training, which are instrumental in reducing road accidents. They will also look at the need for all road transport vehicles to be correctly maintained and repaired to improve road safety and prevent hazards for other road users.
Countries such as the United Kingdom have one of the best road safety records in the world through tough road laws. Some of the actions adopted by the UK include regular drink and drug tests, stiffer penalties for speeding, road safety education for children as well as reviewing the driving and tests standards as part of making roads safer.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter