WATCH: Police call for collective action to curb Easter road carnage

Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu [email protected]

POLICE have called for collective action to reduce road carnage and prevent unnecessary loss of life during the Easter holidays.

Addressing motorists and passengers during an awareness campaign at a roadblock near Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Polytechnic College, Officer Commanding Police Matabeleland South Province, Commissioner Elizabeth Phiri, said both drivers and passengers have a role to play in ensuring road safety.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police is conducting the campaign in conjunction with the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe, the Vehicle Inspection Department (VID) and other traffic stakeholders.

“We are in the period of Easter Holiday and during this time we record an increase in road carnages and a lot of lives are lost. This time around we are saying that we don’t want to lose lives but it can only be possible if we work together as various stakeholders.

“As police and other authorities we will continue to enforce the law and ensure that’ road users abide by the law. We will also continue to educate the public. In order for these efforts to be effective we need you as motorists to adhere to road regulations and put the safety of passengers first. Don’t drink and drive, don’t overspend or overload vehicles.

“To the passengers, please report any drivers that don’t abide by these regulations. It’s your right to hold passengers accountable. As passengers may you also desist from encouraging motorists to overspeed. This of your safety and that of your fellow passengers,” she said.

Passengers welcomed the initiative, saying it will go a long way in ensuring safer roads, with one describing the campaign as an eye-opener.

“We are glad to see the police visible on the roads and ensuring that we are safe as passengers. It makes me feel safe as a passenger that this time around we might have a holiday with a difference. We also know of our rights as passengers which is something that was often overlooked,” said the passenger, who was travelling on a cross-border bus.
@DubeMatutu