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Herald Reporter
The Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ) has deployed campaign teams around the country to educate and sensitise all road users about the importance of prioritising safety during the festive season.
The campaign runs under the theme; “#Safety-first”.
Usually the month of December which has Unity Day, Christmas and New Year holidays is associated with a high incidence of road traffic accidents (RTAs) resulting in deaths and injuries of citizens.
TSCZ chairperson Mr Kura Sibanda warned drivers not to drive for long hours in a stretch and encouraged them to have proper breaks after every two hours of continuous driving.
“Do not drink and drive, people celebrate and want to end the year on a high note, but avoid over-speeding, keep a rein on your speed, speed thrills, but kills,” he said.
Mr Kura Sibanda advised the public to avoid risky locations or areas, for example, where street lights do not work, to always carry a portable fire extinguisher and to always carry a portable first-aid kit.
“Always wear seat belts, helmets and other safety equipment before driving a motorcycle/vehicle, always remember that safety saves, make sure your vehicle is in a good working condition,” he said.
He further said that the major cause of road accidents during festive season is reckless driving due to over-excitement.
In 2019 during festive season we experienced 11 955 road accidents with 411 deaths and 1 708 injuries, in 2020 there was 11 513 road accidents 536 deaths and 2 140 injuries.
“What is clear is that the month of December is associated with the highest incidences of road traffic accidents, case volumes, deaths and injuries.
“What is most mind-vexing is the persistent increase in road traffic accidents during the COVID-19 pandemic. We all know that the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in imposed lockdowns and restrictions, which means there were even less vehicles on the road.
“We would ideally expect to see a decreasing trend in RTAs during a pandemic such as COVID-19. The increase in RTAs during the COVID-19 era could be attributed to depression, stress and anxiety-induced by the pandemic itself,” he said.
“Due to the festive season, motorists tend to speed, fail to observe road rules and regulations, drive during night and drive under the influence of drugs,” he said.
Online Reporter