130 die in festive season road mishaps The wreckages of the Honda Fit and Toyota Noah which collided head-on along the Masvingo-Mbalabala Road near Zvishavane yesterday

Auxilia Katongomara/Whinsley Masara Chronicle Reporters
TYRE bursts and negligent passengers have been cited as major factors behind the increase in the number of fatal road traffic accidents, which killed 130 people this festive season.

Police attributed the tyre bursts to the high temperatures that the country is experiencing.

National police spokesperson Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba said on Monday that motorists must check their tyres before embarking on journeys.

“Most fatal accidents were a result of speeding, followed by negligent passengers, pedestrians, inattention, misjudgment and tyre bursts.

“According to our analysis tyre bursts are attributed to the high temperatures the country is currently experiencing,” said Snr Ass Comm Charamba.

She said despite several reminders made before the holidays for motorists to check their tyres before commencing journeys, there was an increase in accidents that were caused by tyre bursts.

“It’s clear that drivers didn’t take heed of the warning,” she said.

The period between December 15, 2015 to January 2, 2016, Snr Asst Comm Charamba said, had seen an increase in the holiday death toll compared to the same period last year.

“From 15 December 2015 to 02 January 2016, 130 people were killed in road traffic accidents compared to 102 during the same period, that is 15 December 2014 to 02 January 2015,” she said.

The police spokesperson said the Christmas holiday experienced more accidents as compared to the New Year, which had less volume of traffic.

“The number of people killed this festive season increased due to accidents, which claimed many lives in one accident such as the three accidents, which occurred along Zvishavane-Masvingo Road, which claimed 10, five and five lives respectively,” she said.

Snr Asst Comm Charamba said the police will continue to appeal to drivers to be cautious as they drive on the roads.

“Motorists should observe road rules and regulations.

“The police will not hesitate to enforce the road rules and regulations and warn all those who don’t respect life,” she said.

“The total disregard for human life as demonstrated by commuter omnibus drivers who reverse, drive on pavements, against one ways and commit all sorts of nuisance will be severely dealt with”.

 

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