The festive season turned tragic for many families as 77 lives were lost in road traffic accidents across Zimbabwe between December 15 and Boxing Day, 2024. Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi revealed these figures in a statement on Friday, emphasizing the need for improved road safety measures and driver vigilance.
A Grim Tally of Accidents
During the festive period, 1,211 road traffic accidents were recorded, with 65 of them resulting in fatalities. In addition, 411 people sustained injuries. These numbers reflect a slight increase compared to the same period in 2023, where 71 people were killed. Notably, December 22 saw 106 accidents with seven fatalities and 38 injuries, while Christmas Day accounted for 13 deaths and 16 injuries from 104 reported accidents. Boxing Day followed with 87 accidents, leading to 11 deaths and 40 injuries.
Private Vehicles Dominate Statistics
Commissioner Nyathi highlighted that private vehicles were predominantly involved in these accidents. “Some accidents are caused by fatigue and negligent conduct on the part of drivers,” he stated. Despite the concerning figures, only one major public service vehicle accident was reported—a collision involving three buses on December 22, resulting in two fatalities.
Contributing Factors: Fatigue and Negligence
Most fatal accidents were attributed to driver fatigue and negligence. The police also reported incidents involving pedestrians attempting to cross roads, especially in residential and built-up areas. Commissioner Nyathi urged drivers to be vigilant, avoid speeding, and refrain from risky overtaking maneuvers. He further cautioned against overloading vehicles, a common practice during the holiday season.
Calls for Enhanced Road Safety Measures
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) reiterated its commitment to improving road safety by increasing patrols and checkpoints during high-traffic periods. Public safety organizations and NGOs have also called for more extensive driver education campaigns and stricter enforcement of traffic laws.
What Needs to Change?
Experts suggest implementing stricter penalties for traffic violations, improving road infrastructure, and enhancing public awareness campaigns. Developing rest stops along major highways could mitigate driver fatigue, a significant contributor to accidents. Additionally, encouraging the use of public transport during peak travel times could help reduce congestion and improve overall safety.
Conclusion
As the nation reflects on this tragic loss of life, it is imperative to address the underlying causes of road accidents and adopt a multi-faceted approach to improving road safety. The holiday season should be a time of joy, not sorrow. By prioritizing vigilance, compliance with traffic laws, and investment in safer road systems, Zimbabwe can turn the tide on these preventable tragedies.
