The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development has embarked on national public consultations on the Road Accident Fund Bill, seeking input from stakeholders to shape the legislation.
Whilst addressing the gathering at Rainbow Towers in Bulawayo yesterday, the Minister of Transport highlighted that the Road Accident Fund Bill will go a long way in providing support and assistance to victims of road accidents.
According to the ministry, the Road Accident Fund is designed to establish a coordinated post-crash regime, focusing on rapid response mechanisms, emergency medical facilities, and health support services to improve treatment and rehabilitation for crash victims.
It was emphasized that the first 60 minutes after an accident, known as the “Golden Hour,” is crucial for survival and urged the public to seek assistance immediately to increase chances of saving lives.
“This pillar focuses on the need for increased responsiveness to post-crash emergencies, to improve the ability of health and related systems for appropriate emergency treatment and longer-term rehabilitation for crash victims. This entails establishment of a coordinated post-crash regime, anchored on rapid response mechanisms, emergent medical facilities and health support services.
“Rapid response and evacuation of victims within a one-hour period, commonly referred to as the “golden hour’ from the scene of the accident, is one of the most crucial features of this Road Accident Fund Bill. This is one of the biggest gaps to be addressed by this Bill. The “golden hour” in road safety refers to the critical first 60 minutes after a traumatic road accident, when immediate medical care can significantly increase a victim’s chances of survival and minimize long-term complications.
“To improve road safety during this period, it is crucial to call emergency services immediately, ensure the scene is safe before approaching, and provide basic first aid only if trained and safe to do so, avoiding moving the victim unless absolutely necessary. This time frame is considered the most critical window for intervention to save a life. Early and appropriate intervention gives the victim the best chance of recovery. Receiving professional medical treatment within this period is crucial for preventing irreversible damage, worsening symptoms, and death.
“We all agree that our current system is very weak in this regard and the Road Accident Fund mechanism will bridge that gap. The legislative framework is supposed to directly speak to this aspect as one of the charges to the Fund,” the ministry said.
The Ministry said that while insurance companies are doing their part, the proposed Road Accident Fund will share the burden between Government and the insurance industry, thereby cushioning the public from high premiums.
Furthermore, the ministry said the Fund will extend a social safety net to all citizens involved in road accidents, including vulnerable road users.
Additionally, the ministry highlighted that the non-fault-based Fund will eliminate the need to prove liability, removing the requirement for claimants to gather evidence such as police reports and witness statements to demonstrate negligence.
The Minister noted that the Road Accident Fund Bill will also help to usher in an easy and efficient way of doing business by reducing the complexities and costs associated with accident-related claims and litigation.
“The Fund is a game changer as it will cut delays in claims processing. It is common cause that currently, the injured often experience significant delays in receiving their third-party motor vehicle insurance settlements, which can cause financial hardship, especially when they need funds for medical expenses or when they lost income.
“The current state of affairs is complex, and we wish to remove that complexity by introducing the Road Accident Fund. The claims process is intricate and challenging to navigate without legal expertise, leading to frustration for many claimants. It is our duty to assist each other today and ensure that the claim process is simple and is not burdened by legal intricacies,” the ministry noted.
The Ministry also revealed statistics on road traffic accidents.
“Four years ago, Zimbabwe embarked on a Road Safety Performance Review which produced a Report that was launched by His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Cde, Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa on 12 January 2022.
“According to the report, in Zimbabwe, a traffic crash occurs every 15 minutes, over 35,000 crashes occur annually, an average of at least 5 people are killed every day, over 1,800 people die every year and over 10,000 people are injured annually,” announced the Ministry.
The ministry attributed the alarming road toll to a combination of factors, including human error and the strain on road infrastructure caused by the country’s growing vehicle population.
Furthermore, the Ministry highlighted that road safety is a critical component of sustainable development, requiring an integrated approach that balances economic growth, public health, and environmental protection, and necessitating tough decisions to address challenges like emissions, pollution, and road fatalities.
The ministry is continuing with the hearings in Gwanda today, Wednesday in Gweru and conclude in Chinhoyi on Thursday.
The public hearings are being attended by several stakeholders, including the Traffic Safety Council, Zimbabwe National Road Authority (ZINARA), and transport operators.
Thevhayeya.com to the World🌍
Story by Jeremiah Gora
