Harare, (New Ziana) – The police said on Wednesday more road accidents and deaths were recorded this Easter compared to the same period last year when the country was under a hard lockdown that restricted movement.

Statistics released by the police show that 231 accidents were recorded during the four-day holiday compared to 178 last year while the number of people who died as a result of the mishaps rose sharply to 26 from eight.

At least 149 people were injured, up from 22 last year as a result of the accidents.

“The major causes of the fatal road traffic accidents have been observed to be speeding, inattention, misjudgment, overtaking errors,and failure to observe road rules and regulations which can all be attributed to human error,” said police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi.

“We urge drivers to travel at safe speeds, considering the conditions of the roads and safety of other road users.”
He also warned pedestrians to be always on the lookout, observing road rules.

Meanwhile, Nyathi warned operators of clubs and bars as well as public service vehicles and pirate taxis who are disregarding Covid-19 regulations that the long alarm of the law will catch up with them.

“Pirate and mushikashika vehicles will be impounded and action taken on the owners as well as police officers who are allowing them passage on the roads,” he said.
New Ziana