Suburban
Peter Tanyanyiwa Suburban Reporter
AS the festive season draws close, Harare residents have been warned against drinking and driving given past festivities have left some maimed while others lost their lives.
Residents have been warned to be extra cautious on the roads as the festive season is usually marred by road accidents, loss of lives and property as well as injuries on the roads.
The festive season is generally considered to start around December 15, and ends around January 15.
In an interview, the founder and executive director of Road Safe Zimbabwe Trust Mr Sam Nyaude said a lot of road accidents are usually recorded during the festive season.
He said this is when friends and families get time to enjoy a break during the Christmas and New Year holidays.
Mr Nyaude urged motorists to be alert and to drive safely so as to save lives on the roads. He urged motorists to desist from driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
“December is festive and holiday season and most of us get time to reunite with family and friends and some time off from work and school. There’s a lot of food, drink and entertainment and with this comes a lot of irresponsible consumption. Generally, in Zimbabwe we seem to witness the highest number of road crash fatalities in this period and a huge percentage of these seem to be caused by drink driving, recklessness, fatigue and distracted driving.
“The festive season then loses its festive appeal as it is now marred with memories of loss and bereavement. A lot of people lose their lives, limbs and property to road crashes most of which are violent in nature and the effects of this are usually long lasting. As Road Safe Zimbabwe Trust, we would like to urge all road users to value life. Surely human lives are worth more than that ‘one last round’ of drinks. Drink driving is irresponsible and criminal. So please don’t use the road while under the influence of drugs and alcohol. There are several more wonderful moments to live for beyond December festivities,” said Mr Nyaude. Last year, at least 77 people were killed in 1,295 road traffic accidents countrywide during the festive season while during the same period in 2020, there were 1,216 accidents and 66 deaths recorded.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police and the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe also usually urge drivers to be cautious and promote road safety on the roads. The ZRP has been reminding drivers that road safety is a collective responsibility which needs the cooperation of all motorists and road users.
