Zimbabwe reforms to reduce traffic accidents

Zimbabwe reforms to reduce traffic accidents

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By Agencies

ZIMBABWE'S Ministry of Transport and Communication is considering making defensive driving a compulsory course to cut down on the number of traffic accidents.

In his remarks at the official launch of the 2004 Festive Season Road Safety Campaign on Monday, Transport and Communications Minister, Chris Mushowe, said the introduction of acompulsory course for drivers of public service vehicles had seen a decrease in the number of accidents.

"We are saddened to note that the bulk of accident statistics are attributed to private motorists. My ministry is actively considering making the defensive driving course a national standard."

Figures provided by the Central Computing Services show that a total of 46,759 accidents were reported between January and May this year, resulting in 1,676 deaths and 21,014 injuries.

"Consequences of these accidents are far-reaching. It is estimated that they cost the country about one percent of the Gross Domestic Product and much of it is in scarce foreign currency," said Mushowe.

About 60 percent of national health care went to injuries and disabilities of victims of road traffic accidents while the loss of limbs, material and financial resources was enormous, he said.

The festive season is usually characterized by a high mobility of both human and vehicular traffic, which is a contributor to annual accident statistics.

Last year's statistics show that a total of 62 people were killed in 669 accidents that occurred during the festive period while 517 were injured.
Xinhuanet
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