Nine dead, 42 injured in accidents on Christmas Day

NINE people died on Christmas Day this year compared to 16 on the same day last year while all accident statistics decreased this year.

National police spokesperson Chief Superintendent Paul Nyathi yesterday said the reduction in the death toll this year was a result of good driving by some motorists.

“Nine people died on December 25, 2017, a reduction from 16 deaths which were recorded on the same day last year. The total road accidents were 89 this year compared to 96 last year, while the fatal accidents were six this year compared to 16 last year.

“A total of 42 people were injured on Christmas Day this year compared to 45 last year,” said Chief Supt Nyathi.

The reduction in the number of accidents, he added, was due to good driving conduct by some motorists who are taking heed of the ongoing police and the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ) awareness campaigns.

He, however, expressed concern over the behaviour of some motorists who are overtaking at points which do not allow them to safely do so.

“This results in fatal accidents through head on collisions and side swipes. Some drivers are speeding and in the process hit innocent pedestrians who will be standing at bus stops or other places near the highway,” said Chief Supt Nyathi.

He urged motorists to be observant and cautious while ensuring they drive at a safe speed and avoid overtaking in dangerous situations and above all safeguard lives on the road.

“Let’s all drive to arrive alive and contribute towards safety on the roads,” Chief Supt Nyathi.

On Unity Day, a total of 15 people were killed in 13 road traffic accidents, with nine of them caused by speeding and four of them caused by inattention and misjudgement.

About 75 people cheated death after the rear wheels of a bus they were travelling in came off near Halfway along the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls highway on Christmas Eve. — @ pamelashumba1