BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI
A total of 16 people lost their lives in road traffic accidents over the Heroes and Defence Forces holidays, according to statistics released by the Zimbabwe Republic Police.
The police reported that the number of road traffic accidents increased from 134 to 149 compared to the same period last year, while the number of fatal accidents decreased from 12 to eight.
However, the number of fatalities rose from 15 to 16, and injuries remained consistent, with 76 reported in 2023 and 77 this year.
Reckless driving, mechanical faults, speeding, and overtaking errors were cited as some of the causes of the accidents.
In one fatal accident, a Toyota Hiace kombi carrying 15 passengers tried to overtake a Mazda Bongo Van, resulting in a head-on collision with a Nissan Caravan Kombi, killing three people and injuring 32 others.
In another accident, a Nissan Caravan kombi carrying 12 passengers overturned after developing a mechanical failure, killing three people and injuring six others.
The police urged motorists to be patient on the roads, avoid overtaking when it is not safe to do so, and prioritize vehicle servicing to prevent mechanical failures.
They also emphasized the importance of adhering to road rules and regulations to curb the loss of lives through road traffic accidents.
“As we mourn the loss of lives over this holiday weekend, we remind drivers to exercise caution and responsibility on the roads,” said Commissioner Chief Staff Officer Paul Nyathi in a statement.
“Let us work together to prevent such unnecessary loss of life.”