BY TAPFUMANEI MUCHABAIWA THE National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) has expressed concern over the increase in the number of accidents occuring at railway crossing points. This month alone, NRZ has recorded 10 fatal accidents involving motorists.
NRZ acting spokesperson Martin Banda yesterday told NewsDay that most of the rail accidents involved commuter omnibuses. He said most kombi drivers under-estimated the speed of trains, which resulted in accidents at designated crossing points.
“The challenge that we have is that most kombi drivers think they can win an argument with a train. It is pure negligence on the part of the drivers when such accidents occur,” Banda said.
“Rail level crossing accidents are a cause of concern. In March we experienced 10 accidents and we urge drivers to always observe the rules. They should stop before proceeding at a rail-road level crossing. This would help us to preserve lives and valuable property. Your safety is our concern. Always drive to arrive alive.”
Zimbabwe Union of Drivers and Conductors president Fraderick Maguramhinga said it was imperative for motorists to observe road rules and preserve lives.
“Evidence on the ground suggests that road carnage in the country is mainly a result of human error. We urge drivers in the country to adhere to road safety rules. Human error includes the use of defective vehicles, corruption by the law enforcement agents and speeding by most public service vehicles. Where drivers are underpaid, their mental wellness also gets compromised,” Maguramhinga said.
- Follow us on Twitter@NewsDayZimbabwe
