daniel chigunwe
Mukachana Hanyani
Herald Correspondent
As the festive season approaches, Zimbabweans across the country are filled with anticipation.
This is a time of joy, unity, and celebration—a season when families come together, communities thrive in shared traditions, and the roads are alive with activity as people travel to reunite with loved ones or embark on holidays.
Yet, amid this festive cheer, there is an underlying shadow that dampens the season year after year: the tragic loss of lives due to road accidents.
It is a painful irony that 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.
The responsibility to make this festive season safe rests with all of us—drivers, car owners, pedestrians, law enforcement, and the Government.
By embracing a culture of safety, accountability, and care, we can ensure the roads lead us to joyful destinations, not to heartbreak.
The role of drivers in road safety
Drivers are at the heart of road safety. Every time someone sits behind the wheel, they assume responsibility not only for their own life but also for the lives of passengers, pedestrians, and fellow motorists.
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 is imperative to plan ahead. Designate a sober driver, use public transport, or wait until you are completely sober before getting behind the wheel.
The safety of your loved ones and others on the road should always come first.
Moreover, drivers must exercise patience and courtesy. Festive traffic can be frustrating, but road rage or aggressive driving only increases risks.
Instead, drivers should focus on staying calm, obeying traffic signals, and yielding where necessary. Long-distance travellers should also factor in rest breaks, as fatigue can be just as dangerous as alcohol.
On journeys spanning several hours, stopping to refresh or sharing driving responsibilities can mean the difference between arriving safely and not arriving at all.
Vehicle maintenance: a lifesaver
Safe driving is only part of the equation; vehicles themselves must also be roadworthy.
Every year, accidents caused by mechanical failures claim countless lives, yet these are often preventable with proper maintenance.
Vehicle owners must take responsibility for ensuring their cars are in good condition, especially before long trips.
Routine inspections of tyres, brakes, lights, and engine fluids should not be overlooked. These checks can identify and resolve potential problems before they escalate into fatal accidents.
Overloading vehicles is another common but avoidable risk during the festive season.
Carrying more passengers or cargo than a vehicle is designed for strains its mechanics and increases the likelihood of losing control. No journey, no matter how urgent, justifies endangering lives by ignoring load limits.
Additionally, having essential safety equipment such as a spare wheel, reflective triangles, and a first-aid kit can be critical in emergencies.
A vehicle that is well-maintained and properly equipped is not just a machine; it is a lifeline.
The vulnerability of pedestrians
Pedestrians are among the most vulnerable road users, yet they often bear a share of the responsibility for their own safety.
The festive season sees increased pedestrian activity, as people visit markets, attend events, or travel on foot to their destinations.
This heightened activity calls for vigilance. Pedestrians must use designated crossings and adhere to traffic signals. Crossing roads at random points or darting into traffic can be fatal, particularly on busy highways.
Visibility is another crucial factor.
During early mornings or late evenings, it is vital for pedestrians to wear reflective clothing or carry flashlights.
Many accidents occur simply because drivers fail to see pedestrians in time.
Staying alert is equally important; distractions such as mobile phones or headphones can impair judgment and delay reactions to oncoming vehicles. Parents and guardians must also take extra care to educate children about road safety and supervise them, especially near busy roads.
The role of law enforcement
While individual responsibility is critical, Government and law enforcement agencies play an essential role in creating a safer environment.
One of the most effective measures during the festive season is increasing police presence on major roads.
Visible law enforcement deters reckless driving, and random spot checks can ensure compliance with traffic regulations, from speeding to alcohol limits.
Strict enforcement of the law sends a clear message: Negligence will not be tolerated.
Improving road infrastructure is another area that demands attention.
Hazardous roads, riddled with potholes or lacking proper signage, significantly contribute to accidents.
Authorities must prioritise repairing such roads and ensuring traffic signals and streetlights are functional.
Public awareness campaigns are equally important. Educating citizens about road safety through media platforms can reinforce the message that everyone has a role to play in preventing accidents.
Cultivating a culture of accountability
Ultimately, road safety is a shared responsibility. Communities must cultivate a culture of accountability, where looking out for one another becomes second nature. If a friend or family member is unfit to drive, step in and stop them.
Organising carpools or group transport for events can also reduce congestion and improve safety. Conversations about road safety should be commonplace in households, workplaces, and social circles.
The festive season offers the perfect opportunity to emphasise the value of life and the importance of protecting it.
The festive season is a time to reflect on what truly matters: family, love, and togetherness.
The joy of celebration should not come at the cost of human lives.
Roads should be pathways to joyful reunions, not sites of sorrow.
As Zimbabweans, we must rise to the challenge of making this festive season one of safety, compassion, and collective responsibility.
Let us drive responsibly, maintain our vehicles, and exercise caution as pedestrians. Let law enforcement uphold their duty, and let communities foster accountability.
Together, we can ensure that this season is remembered not for tragedies but for its triumphs. May every journey taken during this time lead to a safe and joyous destination, and may every Zimbabwean celebrate the most precious gift of all – life.
