Zimbabwe braces for a busy four-day holiday covering Independence Day celebrations and Easter. Roads will be filled with drivers heading to events, visiting family, or traveling to entertainment spots.
Many regular drivers instead of professionals will take to the roads, increasing accident risks unless everyone focuses on safety. Last year saw 27 deaths in 286 accidents during Easter - only two fewer than the previous year. Police checkpoints alone haven't solved problems like speeding and unsafe overtaking since most drivers behave only when approaching these fixed points.
This year, authorities are deploying over 40 mobile teams nationwide. Transport Minister Felix Mhona announced these patrols during a road safety campaign launch attended by Home Affairs Minister Kazembe Kazembe. These mobile units can catch dangerous driving as it happens rather than waiting at static locations.
Better collaboration between mobile teams and checkpoints could improve enforcement. Suspicious vehicles spotted by mobile units can be reported ahead to checkpoints. Breathalyzer tests should target drivers traveling between celebrations who might drink beyond legal limits. Recent regulations require public service vehicle drivers to be over 30 and buses to have speed limiters.
Every crash stems from human error—usually driver mistakes but also vehicle maintenance problems. Holiday travelers should check their vehicles, avoid alcohol before driving, and treat other motorists with respect. This way, people can enjoy Independence anniversary celebrations and religious obligations without risking injury or death on the roads.
Many regular drivers instead of professionals will take to the roads, increasing accident risks unless everyone focuses on safety. Last year saw 27 deaths in 286 accidents during Easter - only two fewer than the previous year. Police checkpoints alone haven't solved problems like speeding and unsafe overtaking since most drivers behave only when approaching these fixed points.
This year, authorities are deploying over 40 mobile teams nationwide. Transport Minister Felix Mhona announced these patrols during a road safety campaign launch attended by Home Affairs Minister Kazembe Kazembe. These mobile units can catch dangerous driving as it happens rather than waiting at static locations.
Better collaboration between mobile teams and checkpoints could improve enforcement. Suspicious vehicles spotted by mobile units can be reported ahead to checkpoints. Breathalyzer tests should target drivers traveling between celebrations who might drink beyond legal limits. Recent regulations require public service vehicle drivers to be over 30 and buses to have speed limiters.
Every crash stems from human error—usually driver mistakes but also vehicle maintenance problems. Holiday travelers should check their vehicles, avoid alcohol before driving, and treat other motorists with respect. This way, people can enjoy Independence anniversary celebrations and religious obligations without risking injury or death on the roads.
