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OVER 1,300 deaths and 11,000 injuries were recorded on the country’s roads from January to October, down 20 percent and 11 percent respectively on last year’s figures, Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ), managing director, Obio Chinyere has said. He urged drivers to exercise diligence during the rainy and festive season as road accidents tend to rise over both periods. “Over 1,695 deaths were recorded from January to October last year as compared to 1,340, during the same period this year. 12,910 people were injured last year against 11,458 injuries this year,” Chinyere said.
He said the latest figures indicate a 20 percent and 11 percent decrease in deaths and injuries on the country’s roads adding that the number of road accidents had surged from 32,693 to 33,360 during the period under review.
“While there’s been a surge in the number of traffic accidents, mainly due to the increase in the number of vehicles on the roads, we’re happy to note that the number of deaths and injuries has slightly decreased,” he said.
Chinyere said what was critical for the TSCZ was reducing the number of fatalities and injuries on the roads through educational traffic safety awareness campaigns.
“What’s critical is reducing the number of deaths and injuries on our roads. I believe we’re on the right track through our countrywide traffic safety awareness campaigns,” he said.
Chinyere added that they wanted to conscientise villagers who reside along major highways on the importance of looking after their animals.
“We want to talk to the villagers about putting reflectors on the livestock’s ears so that motorists can see them at night,” he said.
He added that they would increase road patrols aimed at educating drivers and pedestrians on the importance of adhering to road and traffic regulations as a means to curb accidents.
Meanwhile, TSCZ last week donated 40 blankets and fruit baskets to Mpilo Central Hospital and United Bulawayo Hospitals for accident victims.
Mpilo Central Hospital board chairperson, Sichelesile Moyo, expressed gratitude to TSCZ’s gesture for supporting road accident victims at the institution.
Online Reporter