THIRTY-One people had been killed in 470 accidents countrywide by yesterday morning, marking a bad beginning of this year’s festive season.
BY EVERSON MUSHAVA CHIEF REPORTER
The figures represent a significant decline from the 52 deaths and 308 injuries that were recorded at the same time last year.
Police spokesperson Chief Superintendent Paul Nyathi yesterday said most of the accidents were a result of negligent driving, which among them included, overtaking errors, lack of concentration and misjudgment.
“As of 9 am today (yesterday), about 470 accidents had been recorded, 31 people had been killed as compared to 52 at the same time last year and 138 people had been injured as compared to 308 last year,” Superintendent Nyathi said.
“About 750 vehicles had been impounded and 48 880 motorists had been arrested for various offences. Most of the accidents involved public service vehicles.” Superintendent Nyathi said most accidents were occurring because public transport operators were putting money before the safety of the travelling public.
“We would like to urge public service vehicle operators not to overload. They should also employ qualified drivers. Police will not hesitate to arrest people who flout road rules and cause unnecessary loss of lives,” he said.
Nyathi said apart from not having five years of experience, most drivers being employed by public service operators were below the 25 years as prescribed by the law. Most of them had not taken training in defensive driving.
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Last year, the festive holiday accident death toll reached 180 while 901 where injured.
