By Jeremiah Gora
Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Honourable Advocate Felix Mhona (MP), has warned that a road traffic crash now occurs every 15 minutes in Zimbabwe, claiming an average of five lives daily and leaving about 38 people injured each day, saying most crashes are preventable and are caused by irresponsible road users.
He made the remarks while officially launching the 2026 Heroes and Defence Forces Road Safety Enforcement and Educational Awareness Campaign at Prevail Mart in Mazowe today.
Addressing government officials, law enforcement agencies, transport operators and members of the public, Hon Mhona said the campaign is being held under the theme “Be patient or you could end up a patient in hospital,” as authorities intensify efforts to reduce road traffic accidents during the Heroes and Defence Forces holidays.
“Current trends have shown that a crash occurs every 15 minutes, resulting in five precious lives lost daily on average, while about 38 people are injured on our roads each day,” Hon Mhona said.
He added that, “most road traffic crashes are preventable and regrettably often caused by irresponsible road users. Speeding, dangerous driving, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, using mobile phones while driving, driver fatigue, failure to wear seat belts, disregarding traffic signs, and operating unroadworthy vehicles continue to claim many lives.”
The Minister said about 94 percent of road crashes in Zimbabwe are directly linked to inappropriate human decisions, prompting Government to adopt a campaign that speaks directly to motorists and other road users on the need for patience and responsible behaviour.
He urged motorists travelling during the holiday period to obey traffic regulations, adhere to speed limits, avoid distractions, maintain safe following distances and overtake only when it is safe to do so.
“Be the driver who is patient and alert, and who drives to arrive safely,” Hon Mhona said.
He noted that the Heroes and Defence Forces holidays traditionally record an increase in traffic volume as thousands of Zimbabweans travel across the country to commemorate national heroes, visit relatives and attend church and community events.
Hon Mhona said Government continues to regard road safety as a national development priority, revealing that road traffic crashes cost Zimbabwe an estimated US$400 million annually through loss of productivity, medical expenses, property damage and disruptions to economic activity.
He applauded the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe Republic Police, Vehicle Inspection Department, Road Motor Transportation Department, ZINARA and local authorities for working together to promote road safety through education, enforcement and infrastructure improvements.
The Minister also welcomed progress under the Smart Policing Programme, saying surveillance cameras are being installed at signalised intersections across the country to strengthen traffic law enforcement.
He said the forthcoming Smart Traffic Management System will improve accountability by detecting traffic violations and ensuring offenders are brought to book.
Hon Mhona urged public transport operators to prioritise passenger safety over profits by avoiding speeding, overloading and operating unroadworthy vehicles, while encouraging passengers to speak out against reckless driving.
He also expressed concern over a 63 percent increase in pedestrian deaths recorded during the last public holiday, urging pedestrians to use designated walkways and remain alert when using the roads.
Officially launching the campaign, Hon Mhona called on all Zimbabweans to embrace the message of patience and responsible road use.
“Patience pays, and if you are not patient, this holiday you may end up a patient in hospital. Spare your family and others the agony; use our roads safely,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Mashonaland East Province will tomorrow launch the Heroes and Defence Forces Holiday Traffic Crime Awareness Campaign as part of efforts to promote road safety and reduce traffic-related offences during the holiday period.
The campaign will be held at the 136-kilometre peg along the Harare–Masvingo Highway at Makumimavi, Chivhu, from 10:00am to 12:00pm.
Officer Commanding Police Mashonaland East Province, Commissioner Dr. W. Makamache, is expected to officiate as the guest of honour.
The awareness campaign is aimed at educating motorists, passengers and pedestrians on the importance of observing traffic regulations, encouraging responsible road use and reducing road traffic accidents during the busy Heroes and Defence Forces holidays.
Police are expected to use the event to reinforce messages on compliance with traffic laws, safe driving practices and the need for all road users to play their part in preventing avoidable crashes.
The launch comes as law enforcement agencies across the country intensify road safety awareness and enforcement operations ahead of increased traffic volumes during the Heroes and Defence Forces holiday.
