By Shongedzai Mugwagwa

First Lady, Amai Auxilia Mnangagwa has launched the road traffic awareness campaign in response to the increasing road traffic accidents in the country during the festive season, the Harare Post can report.

The event was organised by the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ) together with the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) for motorists on all major highways to minimise road traffic accidents during the festive season.

The campaign targeted all road users including pedestrians and cyclists. The main objectives of the campaign are to raise awareness on the causes and effects of road accidents and sharing of strategies that can be employed to minimize accidents.

First Lady expressed concern over the rise in the number of deaths due to road carnage especially during the festive season and during weekends.
“Statistics also reveal that Friday nights, Saturdays, and festive seasons are the worst times,” she said.

She therefore warned all motorists against over-speeding and over-loading their motor vehicles since they are some of the causes of road accidents.

She said many accidents were caused by fatigue as drivers slept while driving during the night.

“People must try to avoid travelling during the night because a lot of people are dying as a result of fatigue while driving,” said the First Lady.

“I therefore urge motorists to travel during the day to avoid this dilemma,” she stressed.

Speaking at the same occasion, TSCZ called upon all members of the corporate world to continue to work closely with the TSCZ in the fight against road carnage.

The TSCZ is implementing the road safety campaign with the assistance of the Zimbabwe Republic Police and giving out brochures and key holders carrying similar messages that seek to minimise road carnage.

Meanwhile, educational safety road blocks have been mounted today on major highways to conscientise road users on road safety.