Ninety-two people died in 1285 road accidents between December 15th and boxing day, police statistics have shown.
The death toll rose by twenty compared to the same period last year where 1626 accidents were recorded.
According to a statement by police National Spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, 69 of this year’s accidents were fatal, seven more than last year.
A number of people who sustained injuries is 333, four less than last year during the same period.
“On unity day 22 December 2022, a total of 107 road traffic accidents were recorded countrywide and three of the accidents were fatal, where three people died and 27 others were injured.
In 2021, 144 trafficking accidents were recorded, with seven being fatal, killing 10 people while others were injured.
On Christmas day, 25 December 2022, a total of 119 traffic accidents were recorded countrywide, with 10 being fatal killing 13 people and injuring 89, compared to 187 road traffick accidents recorded during the same period in 2021 with 10 fatal killing 13 people and injuring 35 others.
On Boxing day, 26 December 2022, 88 road traffick accidents were recorded countrywide, 15 being fatal and 16 people were killed while 19 others were injured, compared to 2021 where 103 road traffick accidents were recorded with five being fatal, seven people were killed while 29 others injured,” he said.
According to Nyathi, most accidents occurred in highways as a result of speeding, overtaking errors, inattention, misjudgement, and recklessness on the part of drivers who in most of the accidents recorded were trying to overtake in situations which were not safe to do so.
He urged drivers to be extra careful when driving in order to avoid unnecessary loss of lives.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police urges drivers to be cautious and promote road safety on roads as the holiday continues. There is no need for on to be over excited or reckless.
The police will continue with the current deployment level on the roads and communities till the 15th of January 2023.
We also urge motorists to be responsible on the roads, to self introspect and be self-cautious,” said Nyathi.
