THE Passenger Association of Zimbabwe (Paz) has called for increased public awareness campaigns and strict enforcement of traffic laws to eliminate accidents and save lives.
Most traffic accidents are blamed on human error and poor roads.
According to the World of Statistics, 41 per every 100 000 people die because of road traffic injuries in Zimbabwe.
Paz pointed to key factors that contribute to the rising number of road accidents across the country.
“Driver-related issues, including distracted driving, speeding and reckless behaviour, are compounded by environmental factors such as poor weather and road conditions,” Tafadzwa Goliath, the Paz president, said.
Vehicle defects and lack of maintenance further heighten these risks.
Regarding driver fatigue management during long-distance travel, Paz emphasised the need for enforcement of traffic laws.
In the heart of Harare, the newly-completed Trabablas Interchange, formerly Mbudzi Roundabout, intended to ease traffic flow along Simon Mazorodze Road and other connecting routes, highlights the pervasive problem of reckless driving.
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The Trabablas Interchange has quickly descended into chaos, with reckless kombi drivers disregarding traffic rules.
Despite the interchange having been designed to enhance safety and efficiency, reports indicate drivers are weaving dangerously between lanes, blocking traffic and ignoring signals.
“The interchange was meant to improve safety and efficiency, but it has become a nightmare for motorists and pedestrians alike,” Tafadzwa Moyo, a daily commuter said.
Under increasing pressure, motorists have called for stronger law enforcement presence and stricter penalties for offenders.
Others suggested interventions including deploying more traffic officers during peak hours, installing surveillance cameras and revoking licences for repeat offenders.
Motorists said if left unaddressed, the disorder at the Trabablas Interchange threatened road user safety.
Construction of the interchange began in January 2022, with a budget of US$88 million.
The interchange was named Trabablas after President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s liberation war name.
Mnangagwa officially opened it to the public in May.
