Every year, during the Heroes and Defence Forces holidays, Zimbabwe’s roads turn into dangerous paths, with lives lost due to accidents that could have been prevented. This year was no different. According to police reports, the number of road accidents during these holidays surged from 134 last year to 149 this year. While it’s a small relief that the number of fatal accidents dropped from 12 to 8, it’s still alarming that we are losing lives unnecessarily.
National police spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, attributes most of these accidents to human errors like reckless driving, mechanical faults, speeding, and poor judgment during overtaking. A tragic example of this occurred on August 13, when a fatal accident at the intersection of St Patrick’s and Seke roads was caused by an overtaking mistake.
These mistakes are not new, yet they continue to claim lives. So, the question is, why do we keep making the same deadly errors year after year?
One of the most common issues on Zimbabwe’s roads is speeding. If you’ve ever taken a commuter omnibus, especially on routes like Seke Road to Chitungwiza or Bulawayo Road, you’ve likely experienced the hair-raising speeds at which these vehicles travel. It’s no surprise that such recklessness leads to accidents.
Earlier this year, there was a glimmer of hope when a Chinese representative of a leading bus supplier to Zimbabwe announced that all buses shipped to Zimbabwe after July 2023 would be equipped with speed limiters. These devices restrict the bus’s speed to a maximum of 100-110 km/h and are designed to last the vehicle’s lifetime—unless tampered with by drivers.
This move was widely applauded, but the reality on the ground tells a different story. Despite these promises, reports of speeding buses continue to flood in. It’s clear that simply installing speed limiters isn’t enough. More must be done to ensure that all public transport vehicles, especially commuter omnibuses, are fitted with these life-saving devices.
Another significant problem contributing to the high number of accidents is the poor maintenance of public transport vehicles. Many of these buses and commuter omnibuses are not serviced regularly, turning them into death traps for both passengers and pedestrians.
What’s even more troubling is that these poorly maintained vehicles often pass through roadblocks without being stopped or fined. This raises serious concerns about the effectiveness of our road safety enforcement.
To tackle this growing problem, the government needs to take firm action. First, there should be a mandatory policy that all buses and commuter omnibuses imported into the country must go through the Vehicle Inspectorate Depots (VID) to have speed limiters installed before they can be registered or given route licenses. This step would ensure that all public transport vehicles on our roads are equipped to operate within safe speed limits.
Additionally, there needs to be stricter enforcement of laws against public transport operators. Suppose a bus or commuter omnibus is involved in a fatal accident, and it’s found that the driver was unlicensed or hadn’t undergone required retests. In that case, the owners should face serious consequences. This would encourage transport operators to ensure that their drivers are fully qualified and up to date with the necessary training.
Furthermore, there should be an age limit for public transport drivers. Our roads need experienced and mature drivers who understand the value of human life. The days of allowing young, inexperienced drivers to be in control of vehicles carrying dozens of passengers should be over.
The government has shown that it can take action when needed, as seen with the recent efforts to improve road conditions ahead of the SADC Heads of State and Government Summit. The same energy and commitment should now be directed towards making our roads safer for everyone.
It’s not just about fixing potholes or repainting lanes; it’s about creating a system where road safety is prioritized at every level—from the vehicles on the roads to the drivers behind the wheels to the enforcement of traffic laws.
The rising number of accidents during the holidays should be a wake-up call for all of us. We cannot continue to accept that lives will be lost every year due to preventable causes. It’s time for a collective effort from the government, transport operators, and the public to make our roads safer.
We need to enforce stricter regulations, ensure proper vehicle maintenance, and hold those who put lives at risk accountable. Only then can we hope to reduce the number of accidents and prevent more families from losing their loved ones on our roads.
The fight for safer roads in Zimbabwe is not just about numbers; it’s about protecting the lives of our fellow citizens. We can’t keep losing lives. It’s time to act.
Source: Newsday
