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Message: [QUOTE="Munyaradzi Mafaro, post: 82570, member: 636"] The transport ministry is getting called out for letting the roads turn into a death race. Zimbabwe's human rights commission directly blamed the ministry for a disorganized transport system. They say this failure caused road accidents to double recently. Official festive season collision numbers showed a shocking increase to over two thousand incidents. The commission cited a total lack of reliable public transit. This void gets filled by private pirate operators known locally as mishikashika. Drivers in this informal sector face intense economic pressure. They often resort to dangerous practices to maximize daily trips. These practices include severe overloading and speeding on bad roads. Overtaking on blind curves and driving while exhausted are common. Many ignore basic traffic laws entirely. The environment is made worse by crumbling infrastructure across the network. Roads are riddled with potholes and missing vital signage. Non-functional traffic lights add to the chaotic conditions. This creates a predictably hazardous situation for everyone. The problem peaks during high-volume travel periods. The rights body noted that these vehicles become mass death traps when crowded. Fatality rates skyrocket when accidents inevitably occur. The high passenger death toll reflects this grim reality. The commission stated this especially hurts disadvantaged groups. The elderly, women, and children are most gravely affected. Pedestrians also face extreme risks from the disordered traffic. Cellphone distractions for both drivers and walkers contribute to fatalities. Human error is blamed for the vast majority of crashes. The commission urged the government to launch an immediate public inquiry. They demanded investment in a formal, regulated public transport system. This includes reliable buses and proper terminals. They also called for trained, fairly compensated drivers. Other recommendations focused on infrastructure improvements. The statement highlighted the need for pedestrian walkways and bicycle lanes. Road repairs must protect the most vulnerable users. Access to emergency medical care after accidents is a constitutional requirement. A holistic national road safety strategy is essential. The commission framed safe mobility as a basic human right. The country has one of the continent's highest rates of fatal traffic accidents. International health organization data underscores the severe crisis. [/QUOTE]

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