mbulelo smpofu
THE festive season is a time of joy, unity, and celebration, a season when families gather, communities share traditions, and roads buzz with activity as people travel to reunite with loved ones or embark on holidays.
Ironically, a time meant to celebrate life often turns into a period of mourning for many families.
Roads, bustling with travellers, become sites of horror as accidents claim lives and leave survivors grappling with grief. These tragedies, while devastating, are often preventable. As we embark on this festive period, it is imperative that motorists prioritise safety above all else.
All drivers must follow road rules and safe driving practices this festive season to curb the annual spike in traffic accidents and pedestrian deaths.
Studies have shown that an average of five people die on the roads each day, translating to approximately 2 000 deaths annually.
The number of festive season accidents can be reduced if drivers abide by road traffic rules.
The festive season often comes with increased traffic and urgency, but these factors must never justify reckless driving. Speeding, a common culprit during the holidays, reduces a driver’s ability to react to sudden hazards. Adhering to speed limits is not just a legal obligation, it is a lifesaving measure.
Another persistent danger is drinking and driving. The festive season is synonymous with celebrations, and for many, alcohol is part of those festivities. However, driving under the influence of alcohol impairs judgment, slows reaction times, and increases the likelihood of accidents.
It’s crucial to designate a sober driver or utilise public transportation to ensure everyone’s safety. By making responsible choices, individuals can contribute to a safer and more enjoyable festive season.
Public service transporters must also ensure that drivers strictly observe traffic laws during this festive season to significantly reduce, if not eliminate, road accidents and save lives and property.
Speaking at the launch of the 2024 festive season road safety awareness campaign in Harare on Wednesday, Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona said they would “deal decisively with any situations they believe have not been properly handled by the officers manning roadblocks.”
Minister Mhona urged drivers to maintain vigilance and adhere to traffic regulations, listing key behaviors to avoid, such as speeding, overloading, neglecting road signs, multitasking while driving, and operating defective vehicles.
“The police were under strict instructions to arrest and refer for prosecution motorists who violate laid-down regulations,” he said.
He further emphasised the need for motorists and public transporters to drive responsibly during the festive season, a time often associated with excessive excitement and increased travel.
To curb reckless driving and enhance road safety, senior police officers, in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, will take decisive action against motorists who flout traffic rules.
The theme for this year’s campaign, “Normal speed meets every need,” highlights the critical importance of adhering to safe driving speeds and fostering responsible driving attitudes.
Research indicates that Africa is the least motorized continent, possessing only 2 percent of the global vehicle population while contributing to 16 percent of global road traffic fatalities.
To combat this alarming trend, the Government has been collaborating with neighbouring countries to raise cross-border road safety awareness, including the recent Cross Alive Campaign launched with South Africa.
Ultimately, the responsibility for road safety lies with every driver.
By prioritising caution, avoiding distractions, and making informed choices, individuals can help prevent accidents and save lives. Let’s make this festive season a joyous one, free from the tragedy of road accidents.
