TSCZ works on reducing road accidents

THE Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ) aims to cut road accidents by 50 percent by 2030 as part of the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS 1) through various measures, which include public awareness campaigns, improved law enforcement, and better road infrastructure.

By aligning with the broader goals of NDS 1, TSCZ hopes to contribute to national development by ensuring safer roads for all.

According to TSCZ, an accident occurs in Zimbabwe every 15 minutes, with at least 150 people dying every month, and most such incidents are attributed to reckless driving, inadequate enforcement of traffic laws and use of defective vehicles, among other factors.

Last year the country recorded 2 099 deaths and 9 955 injuries from 51 994 accidents recorded across the country. Most road accidents occurred during public holidays. Public holidays in Zimbabwe often see an increase in travel levels as people visit families and attend different gatherings.

Studies have also shown that the excitement and festive atmosphere surrounding holidays often lead some drivers to engage in risky behaviours such as speeding, overtaking dangerously and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Speaking during the Bulawayo Provincial Driver of the Year Awards dinner on Sunday, TSCZ director for operations and marketing, Mr Thomas Mahundi said the annual event is critical as it resonates with aspirations of the NDS 1. “The Driver of the Year competition is important as it resonates well with NDS 1, which seeks to reduce road accidents by 50 percent by 2030. All those who participated have gained valuable experience,” he said.

The winners of the provincial competition will compete at the national level in September in Bulawayo. The competition was divided into four categories, which included the kombis, buses, articulated, and rigid categories.

Each of the category winners was given a US$500 prize with the first runners-up walking away with US$300 while those who came third won US$200. Other participants also got a certificate of participation.

“Bulawayo has been favoured to host the Driver of the Year national competition from 28 to 29 September. So, for those that are progressing to the national finals, I think we have time to keep practicing to become better and to win the trophy here in Bulawayo,” said Mr Mahundi.

In an interview, Mr Zibusiso Sobhuza from Bulawayo City Transit who won the first prize under the kombi category, said: “We would like to thank TSCZ for introducing these awards as they help drivers in terms of reducing accidents.”

The competition saw participants from various organisations, which include Zimbabwe Republic Police, Zimbabwe National Army, Bulawayo City Council, ZESA, Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service, Colbro, and several kombi associations in Bulawayo. – @SikhulekelaniM1.