Ministers urge caution on the roads

DRIVERS have been urged to exercise caution when driving during the festive season to reduce road traffic accidents.

In a statement, the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development Dr Joram Gumbo urged drivers to observe road regulations and drive cautiously to avoid loss of life.

“We are once again in the festive season, a time for celebration of Christmas and New Year’s holidays. It is also a time to visit friends and relatives throughout the country and for merry-making. I therefore, urge all our road users to exercise caution and observe road regulations,” said Dr Gumbo.

“Zimbabwe is committed to the United Nations declared Decade of Action for Road Safety which envisages a reduction in road traffic deaths by 50 percent by 2020. Indeed we can reduce road deaths in Zimbabwe by 50 percent or even better, if we play our part.”

He pleaded with public service operators not to use vehicles that are not roadworthy.

“My expectation is that operators of public service vehicles will provide a safe and timeous service which should see everybody being transported to their destination safely.

“Operators are also strongly urged to desist from the habit of overworking their drivers resulting in failure to adhere to their time tables,” said the Minister.

Dr Gumbo said offenders will be dealt with according to the law by the police and the Vehicle Inspectorate Department (VID)

In another statement, the Minister of Home Affairs and Culture Dr Obert Mpofu urged drivers not to drink and drive.

“In order to avoid road carnage that results in fatalities and serious injuries, I would therefore, urge all motorists not to drink and drive,” he said.

The warnings come at a time when the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe is conducting road safety campaigns along highways countrywide.

The campaigns will stretch up to January 5 and drivers are advised to stop by the roadblocks to benefit from these campaigns. — @NyarieBakie