FOURTY-ONE people had died in 537 accidents reported countrywide by yesterday morning, police have confirmed.
By Feluna Nleya
This time last year, 66 deaths and 361 accident injuries had been recorded.
Police spokespers on Chief Superintendent Paul Nyathi yesterday said the number had this year risen after a commuter omnibus killed seven people along the Harare — Mutare road on Sunday.
“Seven people died after a commuter omnibus they were travelling in burst a rear tyre at the 128km peg along Harare — Mutare road and rammed into a tree, killing three people on the spot while four others died at Rusape Hospital,” said Nyathi.
He said most accidents were a result of negligent driving, which included, overtaking errors, lack of concentration and misjudgment.
“As of 9am today (yesterday), 537 accidents had been recorded, with 41 people having been killed as compared to 66 at the same time last year and 182 people had been injured as compared to 361 last year,” Superintendent Nyathi said.
“About 789 vehicles had been impounded and 51 442 motorists had been arrested for various offences. Most of the accidents involved public service vehicles.”
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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 experience, most drivers being employed by public service operators were below 25 years as prescribed by the law.
Most of them had not taken training in defensive driving.
Last year, the festive holiday accident death toll reached 180 while 901 were injured.
